Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The world’s current technical developments are mostly dependent on semiconductors. Even though traditional semiconductor materials are important, they have various disadvantages, especially when evaluated against polymer-based alternatives. Hydrogel-based semiconductors provide soft, ionically linked electronic interfaces by combining hydrated, mechanically compliant matrices with electrically active conjugated polymers and composites which can be applied in bioelectronic and thermoelectric generator/cells. Volumetric capacitances are normally in the range of 1–485 F·cm−3, demonstrating excellent ion storage, transport capabilities, and electron mobilities for hydrogel semiconductors spanning roughly 0.25 cm2/V·s (measured for n-type P(PyV)-H hydrogel). The fabrication techniques include additive free casting and room-temperature crosslinking, which lower energy input while maintaining electronic performance; typical systems maintain >80% of their conductivity after 103–104 mechanical cycles. This review study mainly focuses on the design, preparation, application, and prospects of gel/hydrogel-based semiconductors. It gives readers a thorough understanding of the basic ideas that underline their structure and operation. All things considered, this work is a useful tool for engineers and researchers looking to maximize the potential of gel-based semiconductors in next-generation electrical systems.
Source: Gels
DOI: 10.3390/gels12050419
Authors: Md Murshed Bhuyan, Kyungjun Lee, Jae-Ho Jeong
Institutions: Gachon University, Chung-Ang University
Language: English
Subfield: Polymers and Plastics
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,534
OpenAlex ID: W7160853012
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