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

ABSTRACT 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. Requiring only two electrodes, this sensor leverages distinct electromechanical responses to localize pressure, eliminating complex arrays and enabling efficient development of next‐generation tactile sensors.