Optimization and Characterization of P(EDOT-co-Th)-Incorporated Poly(acrylamide)/Poly(vinyl alcohol) Conductive Hydrogels

Conductive hydrogels are functional materials that combine soft, highly hydrated properties with electrical signal transmission capabilities. Their conductivity arises from ionic or electronic pathways, and the key design challenge is achieving good conductivity and long-term stability without compromising mechanical performance and biocompatibility. Among various conductive components, conductive polymers have attracted considerable attention due to their tunable mechanical properties, high electrical conductivity, good biocompatibility, and facile synthesis routes. In this study, a series of conductive hydrogels were rationally designed and fabricated by copolymerizing acrylamide and N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide with functionalized poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene-co-thiophene) [P(EDOT-co-Th)]. The functionalized PVA provided multiple dynamic hydrogen-bonding sites, significantly enhancing the toughness of the hydrogel and its adhesion to various substrates, while the P(EDOT-co-Th) copolymer imparted good and stable electrical conductivity. By systematically adjusting the amount of functionalized PVA, the mechanical strength, adhesiveness, and durability of the conductive hydrogels were effectively optimized. The optimized hydrogel exhibited robust adhesion to a wide range of surfaces, excellent fatigue resistance, and long-term stability under repeated mechanical deformation. Moreover, the combination of mechanical resilience and good conductivity enabled precise and reliable signal transduction, highlighting its strong potential as a next-generation material for wearable strain and pressure sensors.