3D Printed PEDOT:PSS‐Based Lattice Pressure Sensors With Tunable Electromechanical Response

3D printed pressure sensors show broad potential, owing to their tunable mechanical and electrical properties. Meta-structures are ideal candidates for such sensors, thanks to their lightweight nature and customizable mechanical behavior. In this study, we present 3D-architected pressure sensors fabricated in a single step via digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing of a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS)-based photoresin. The electromechanical characteristics of an X-Cell lattice are optimized by varying parameters such as relative density and lattice count to enhance manufacturability, sensitivity, and pressure range. The X-cell lattice with 40% relative density and 64-unit cells exhibits a sensitivity of 17.7 ± 5.8 kPa−1 in the 0–15 kPa range, and 9.11 ± 4.19 kPa−1 across a broader range of 15–120 kPa, demonstrating its suitability for both high-sensitivity and wide-range pressure sensing applications. Optimization is further extended to fabricate Gyroid and Schwarz D lattices showing initial sensitivities of 40.03 ± 0.64 and 7.4 ± 0.7 kPa−1, respectively. A proof-of-concept tactile sensor is developed by integrating multiple lattice designs into a single active layer. ... mehrRequiring only two electrodes, this sensor leverages distinct electromechanical responses to localize pressure, eliminating complex arrays and enabling efficient development of next-generation tactile sensors.