A highly stretchable pH sensor array using elastomer-embedded laser carbonized patterns

This paper reports on a facile and low cost method to fabricate highly stretchable potentiometric pH sensor arrays for biomedical and wearable applications. The technique uses laser carbonization of a thermoset polymer followed by transfer and embedment of carbonized nanomaterial onto an elastomeric matrix. The process combines selective laser pyrolization/carbonization with meander interconnect methodology to fabricate stretchable conductive composites with which pH sensors can be realized. The stretchable pH sensors display a sensitivity of -51 mV/pH over the clinically-relevant range of pH 4-10. The sensors remain stable for strains of up to 50 %.