Real-time potentiometric pH-sensor using a screen-printable polyaniline composite on textiles

We have developed a flexible, screen-printable, pH-sensitive composite for textile substrates. The composite is prepared by mixing polyaniline (PANI) with dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid and textile screen-printing ink. A percolation threshold is found, and the optimal composite formulation’s pH response is compared to electropolymerized and drop-cast PANI sensors via open circuit potential measurements. A linear response is observed for all sensors between pH 3 and 10, with the composite demonstrating a sensitivity of -28.2 mV/pH.