An inkjet-printed chemical fuse

Abstract

Inkjet printing of the conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) doped with polystyrene sulfonated acid has been used as the basis for a sensor for organic vapors. The electrical resistance of the film was monitored as it was exposed to atmospheres containing alcohol. Ultrathin films exhibited a sharp and nonreversible increase in their resistance. This resulted from a change in the morphology of the organic layer, thereby disrupting the current flow through the polymer. An intended application for these inkjet-printed devices is in disposable handheld instruments to monitor the presence of organic vapors above a threshold level.