AU2021104304A4

AU2021104304A4 - An electronic-ionic polymer sensor for voltage generation

Info

Publication number: AU2021104304A4
Application number: AU2021104304A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Shiv Ashish Dhondiyal; Lokesh Singh Panwar; Varij Panwar; Sumeshwar Singh
Original assignee: Graphic Era Deemed to be University; Graphic Era Hill University Dehradun Campus
Current assignee: Graphic Era Deemed to be University; Graphic Era Hill University Dehradun Campus
Priority date: 2021-07-14
Filing date: 2021-07-19
Publication date: 2021-09-09
Anticipated expiration: 2029-07-19
Also published as: ZA202109681B

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electronic-ionic polymer sensor for voltage generation comprising a polymer blend membrane, wherein said polymer blend membrane comprises a TER polymer. a polyvinylpyrrolydine (PVP), and a polymer mixture of two ionomers; and an ionic liquid. The TER polymer is a polymeric mixture of Vinylidene fluoride, Trifluoroethylene, and Chlorotrifluoroethylene. The polymer mixture is PEDOT:PSS and wherein said ionomers are poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and polystyrene sulfonate. Further, various experiments performed taking different ratios of the TER polymer, the polyvinylpyrrolydine (PVP), and said polymer mixture used for preparing the polymer blend membranes. A method of fabrication of electronic-ionic polymer blend sensor is also disclosed. The electronic-ionic polymer sensor having sensing voltage up to 27 V is disclosed. 1/6 (a) TER polymer (b) F F F Cl F PVP F 0/ \ 0b - 0 0 /-\0 ,0 00\ / 0........ H (C s SOH SO3 03 H o. 03H PEDOT:PSS Fig. 1

Description

1/6

(a) TER polymer (b) F F F Cl F

PVP F

- 0 0/-\0 ,0 00\ / 0........ / \0b

(C s H

SOH SO3 03 H o. 0 3H

PEDOT:PSS

Fig. 1

AN ELECTRONIC-IONIC POLYMER SENSOR FOR VOLTAGE GENERATION FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of sensors. The invention, particularly relates to an electronic-ionic polymer sensor for voltage generation comprising a polymer blend membrane and an ionic liquid. The polymer blend comprises a TER polymer, a polyvinylpyrrolydine (PVP), and a polymer mixture of two ionomers (PEDOT:PSS). A method of fabrication of electronic-ionic polymer blend sensor is also disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A sensor is a device that detects a change in-or determines the value of-a physical parameter. Conventional sensors may be classified based upon the parameter they sense. Common commercially available sensors include temperature sensors, pressure sensors, flow sensors, stress/strain sensors, accelerometers, dielectric sensors, conductivity sensors, shock sensors, and vibration sensors. Conventional sensors may also be classified based upon the transduction mechanisms they employ. For example, a strain gauge measures changes in temperature, pressure, and/or deflection of an object via changes in physical dimensions, or strain, of the strain gauge. There exist many different strain gauge transduction mechanisms. Some simple strain gauges are based on materials capable of generating a voltage when subjected to small deflections. For example, piezoelectric-based strain gauges convert mechanical deflection to an electrical signal for strains in the range of 1 to 2 percent. This minimal deflection range severely limits piezoelectric-based strain gauge usage. Devices capable of measuring larger strains or displacements are usually much more mechanically complex. Linear potentiometers may detect strain in the range of 1-6 inches or more, but are limited to linear deflections and are bulky, expensive rigid and often have low accuracy; thus restricting usage.

[0003] In many applications, it is desirable to convert between electrical energy and mechanical energy. Exemplary applications requiring translation from electrical to mechanical energy include robotics, pumps, speakers, general automation, disk drives and prosthetic devices. These applications include one or more actuators that convert electrical energy into mechanical work on a macroscopic or microscopic level. Common electric actuator technologies, such as electromagnetic motors and solenoids, are not suitable for many of these applications, e.g., when the required device size is small (e.g., micro or mesoscale machines). Other applications requiring translation from mechanical to electrical energy include mechanical property sensors and heel strike generators. These applications include one or more transducers that convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. However, common electric generator technologies, such as electromagnetic generators, are not suitable for many of these applications, e.g., when the required device size is small (e.g., in a person's shoe). These technologies are also not ideal when a large number of devices must be integrated into a single structure or under various performance conditions such as when high power density output is required at relatively low frequencies. Known materials in this category include conducting polymers, ferroelectric polymers, ionic polymer metal composites, and ionic polymeric gels. Limited success in converting between electrical and mechanical energy has also been achieved with smart materials including piezoelectric ceramics, shape memory alloys and magnetostrictive materials.

[0004] Polymeric devices that can directly convert electrical energy to mechanical energy (electromechanical effects) have attracted a great deal of attention in recent years. The definite advantages of such polymeric devices originate from their soft mechanical properties (inherently polymeric behavior) that have a significant potential to mimic various biological situations necessary to enhance human activities and/or serve as special industrial actuators.

[0005] A number of different type of the compositions of polymers and preparation methods of these compositions are available in the prior art. For example, the following patents are provided for their supportive teachings and are all incorporated by reference: Prior art, US20210115220, discloses stretchable solid-state electroactive polymer actuators (SSEPA) using electroactive polymers that convert between electrical energy and mechanical energy and having solid-state polymer electrolytes. More particularly, there are provided electroactive polymer (EAP) compositions comprising: 15-60 wt. % of a film-forming polymer; 5-40 wt. % of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) and 10-40 wt. % of a plasticizer, solid-state polymer electrolyte (SPE) compositions comprising: 20-60 wt. % of a plasticizer, 10-60 wt. % of a film-forming polymer and 5-25 wt. % of an ionizable salt.

[0006] Another prior art document, US9437804 discloses an electroactive polymer structure includes a first flexible electrode, a second flexible electrode, and a polymer dielectric layer with ionic liquid on top of the first electrode including at least two regions. Each region of the polymer dielectric layer includes a different ionic liquid concentration. The polymer dielectric layer is in between the first flexible electrode and the second flexible electrode.

[0007] Yet another prior art document, IN201911017071A, discloses a honeycomb structured ionic polymer-metal nanocomposite (IPMNC) sensor using the direct attachment of an acidic ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methylimidazoliumhydrogen sulfate) in a poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene) P(VDF-TrFE-CTFE) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) blend. Additionally, for the fabrication of IPMNC sensors, electroless plating process is used for making the Platinum (Pt) electrode by embedding the Platinum (Pt) nanoparticles (NPs)on the ionic liquid.

[0008] Yet another prior art document, JP2020156659A, discloses The sensor device acquiring a signal resulting from the pressure fluctuation of a measurement object is provided that includes: a sensor portion which includes a sheet-like high polymer piezoelectric element having a prescribed area, and a sheet-like electrode attached to each of both surfaces of the piezoelectric element; and a transmission member which is a transmission member having a contact surface to be brought into contact with the measurement object, and can transmit the pressure fluctuation of the measurement object, and in which an area of the contact surface is larger than a prescribed area, and one surface of the piezoelectric element is attached to the contact surface directly or via the electrode.

[0009] Yet another non-patent literature prior art discloses the improvement in conductivity of ionic liquid membranes by addition of 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide [C6MIM NTF2] with PVDF by interaction of (CF)2 with imidazolium rings (See: R. Mejri, J.C. Dias, S.B. Hentati, M.S. Martins, C.M. Costa, S. Lanceros-Mendez, Effect of anion type in the performance of ionic liquid/poly(vinylidene fluoride) electromechanical actuators, J. Non. Cryst. Solids. 453 (2016) 8-15. https://doi.org/10.1016/i.inoncrysol.2016.09.014).

[0010] However, above mentioned references and many other similar references has one or more of the following shortcomings: (a) higher cost; (b) not sensitive for voltage generation;

(c) low voltage generation; (d) low ion exchange capability; (e) actuation occurs only at high voltage; and (f) polymer membrane having irregular pore size.

[0011] The present application addresses the above-mentioned concerns and shortcomings (and other similar concerns/shortcomings) with regard to providing a electronic-ionic polymer sensor for voltage generation comprising a polymer blend membrane and an ionic liquid. The polymer blend membrane comprises a TER polymer, a polyvinylpyrrolydine (PVP), and a polymer mixture of two ionomers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In the view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known different type of the compositions of polymers and preparation methods now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an electronic-ionic polymer sensor for voltage generation. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new electronic-ionic polymer sensor for voltage generation which has all the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

[0013] It is object of the invention is to provide an electronic-ionic polymer sensor for voltage generation comprising a polymer blend membrane, wherein said polymer blend membrane comprises a TER polymer, a polyvinylpyrrolydine (PVP), and a polymer mixture of two ionomers; and an ionic liquid.

[0014] It is another object of the present invention is to provide the electronic-ionic polymer blend sensor, wherein said TER polymer comprises Vinylidene fluoride, Trifluoroethylene, and Chlorotrifluoroethylene.

[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide the electronic-ionic polymer blend sensor, wherein said polymer mixture is PEDOT:PSS and wherein said ionomers are poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and polystyrene sulfonate.

[0016] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide the electronic-ionic polymer blend sensor, wherein said ionic liquid is1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium-hydrogen sulfate ionic liquid.

[0017] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide the electronic-ionic polymer blend sensor, wherein said polymer blend membrane comprises said TER polymer, a polyvinylpyrrolydine (PVP), and said polymer mixture in the ratios of 15/05/80, respectively.

[0018] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide the electronic-ionic polymer blend sensor, wherein said polymer blend membrane comprises said TER polymer, a polyvinylpyrrolydine (PVP), and said polymer mixture in the ratios of 10/05/85, respectively.

[0019] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide the electronic-ionic polymer blend sensor, wherein said polymer blend membrane has a Tensile strength in the range of 0.21 to 3.5 MPa, Young's modulus in the range of 0.27 to 1.8 MPa, and Tensile strain in the range of 223 to 385 %.

[0020] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide the electronic-ionic polymer blend sensor, wherein said polymer blend membrane has a dielectric loss tangent (tan 6) at 20 Hz in the range of 1.48 to 4.8; a real permittivity s' at 20 Hz in the range of 1.25 x 105 to 2.7 X 106; and DC electrical conductivity GDC in the range of 0.0007 to 0.0125 S/cm.

[0021] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide the electronic-ionic polymer blend sensor, wherein said polymer blend membrane has a sensing voltage at 0.2 Hz in the range of 0.3 to 27 V.

[0022] The another main object of the present invention is to provide 11. A method of fabrication of electronic-ionic polymer blend sensor, wherein said method comprising the following steps: a. A method of preparing a polymer blend membrane comprising the following steps: i. Mixing a TER polymer, a polyvinylpyrrolydine (PVP), and a polymer mixture of two ionomers (PEDOT:PSS) in a organic solvent, dimethyl formamide to form a blend solution 10 wt%; ii. Stirring a blend solution for twelve hours on a magnetic stirrer; iii. Pouring a blend solution on a glass petri dish to form a layer; iv. Keeping said glass petri dish having said layer at 80 °C for 24 hours; v. Heating said glass petri dish of step (iv) at 110°C for 12 hrs; and vi. Taking out said polymer blend membrane from said glass petri dish after cooling; b. Immersing said polymer blend membrane formed in step (a) in to 60% 1-butyl 3-methylimidazolium-hydrogen sulfate ionic liquid (IL) for absorbing anions and cations; and c. Impementing two electrodes on both surfaces of said polymer blend membrane obtained from step (b).

[0023] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0024] These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic model of a polymer blend membrane and an electronic ionic polymer sensor, according to an embodiment herein. Fig. 2 depicts XRD micrographs of the polymer blends (a); DSC spectra of the polymer blends (b); FT-IR spectra of the polymer blends (c); and TGA spectra of the polymer blends, according to an embodiment herein. Fig. 3 depicts SEM images of (a) cross section of PEDOT:PSS; (b) 10/90 blend of TER polymer with PEDOT:PSS; (c & d) Blend membrane A (20/5/75 TER:PVP:PEDOT PSS ratios) in low and higher concentration, respectively; (e & f) Blend membrane B

(15/05/80 TER:PVP:PEDOT-PSS ratios) in low and higher magnification, respectively; and (g & h) Blend membrane C (10/05/85 TER:PVP:PEDOT-PSS ratios) in low and higher magnification, respectively, according to an embodiment herein. Fig. 4 depicts contact angles of the polymer blends: (a) Blend membrane A (20/5/75 TER:PVP:PEDOT-PSS ratios); (b) Blend membrane B (15/05/80 TER:PVP:PEDOT-PSS ratios) and Blend membrane C (10/05/85 TER:PVP:PEDOT-PSS ratios), according to an embodiment herein. Fig. 5 depicts graph of Tensile stress of the polymer blends as a function of strain, according to an embodiment herein. Fig. 6 depicts graphs of dielectric properties of the polymer blends: (a) real permittivity s' as a function of f; (b) DC electrical conductivity GDC as a function of f; (c) spectra of Z" with Z' for Blend membrane A (20/5/75 TER:PVP:PEDOT-PSS ratios) and Blend membrane D (10:0:90 TER:PVP:PEDOT-PSS ratios); and (d) spectra of Z" with Z' for Blend membrane B (15/05/80 TER:PVP:PEDOT-PSS ratios) and Blend membrane C (10/05/85 TER:PVP:PEDOT-PSS ratios), according to an embodiment herein. Fig. 7 depicts graphs of voltage sensing properties of the electronic-ionic polymer sensor: (a) Sensing voltages of sensor having various polymer blend membranes with time; (b) Sensing voltages of various Blend membrane C (10/05/85 TER:PVP:PEDOT-PSS ratios) with time at different frequencies; and (c) Sensing voltages of various blend membranes with bending strain.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that the embodiments may be combined, or that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural and logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0027] References will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Before describing the detailed embodiments that are in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0028] The poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is ubiquitous and an exciting conducting polymer that has been widely utilized for various applications such as for wearable devices, thermoelectric applications, electrode material for actuators and energy harvesting, bio-electrode, piezoresistive and pressure sensing, humidity sensor and application owing to its high conductivity, low thermal conductivity and flexible film forming properties. The PEDOT:PSS wearable electronics devices have gained a tremendous demand for alternate energy resources at ambient environments and gentle forces. This technology is mainly a practical alternative for "battery-free" self-powered devices and low-power portable electronics for a smart watch, small LCD, digital thermometer, calculator, smart phone, and wireless body sensors. PEDOT:PSS is considered as most successful organic thermoelectric material with a high figure-of-merit. By The PEDOT-PSS used as a flexible electrode for a high-performance electro-ionic soft actuator. The PEDOT:PSS behaves as an electronic conductor used in bioelectronics, energy management and soft robots. PEDOT:PSS has emerged as flexible electrode materials over metallic rigid oxides and is useful in transparent electrodes and motion sensing conductors interconnectors. A highly conductive electrode PEDOT was applied on both sides piezoelectric PVDF film as a transparent electrode. This PEDOT coated PVDF film was used in energy harvester that generates electricity from iterative physical displacements. An output voltage 16.4 V (peak to-peak) and current density of the energy generator 0.2 pA cm-2 (peak-to-peak) was achieved after applying stretching power of 800mN on PEDOT coated PVDF film. The PEDOT:PSS with waterborne polyurethane (WPU) blend achieved high conductivity -80 S/cm and high mechanical strength. When PEDOT:PSS/WPU blend with D-sorbitol were mixed with PEDOT:PSS, its conductivity and elongation at break enhanced >1000 S/cm to 43%, respectively, as compared to those of the PEDOT:PSS/WPU blend. The PEDOT:PSS was blended with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), poly(acrylic acid), and poly(methacrylic acid) polymers and studied for pressure sensing application. The PEDOT:PSS/polyaniline based humidity sensor was developed onto paper. The PEDOT:PSS crystal based polymer sensors has not reported so far.

[0029] The present invention discloses a polymer blend membrane comprising a TER polymer, a polyvinylpyrrolydine (PVP), and a polymer mixture of two ionomers; and an ionic liquid. The polymer blend membrane is used with an ionic liquid, such as1-butyl-3 methylimidazolium-hydrogen sulfate ionic liquid to form an electronic-ionic polymer sensor for voltage generation. The TER polymer can be a mixture of Vinylidene fluoride, Trifluoroethylene, and Chlorotrifluoroethylene. TER polymer was also used as a base polymer for providing a mechanical strength. The polyvinylpyrrolydine (PVP) used as a hydrophilic base polymer. The polymer mixture of two ionomers is a mixture of PEDOT:PSS and wherein said ionomers are poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and polystyrene sulfonate. PEDOT:PSS is used an electronic-ionic conducting polymer. The PEDOT:PSS polymers helps to provide additional conduction sites (S03 and SO) in the TER/PVP/ PEDOT:PSS blend sensor (electronic-ionic polymer sensor). This enhances the free movements of ions with forces and this increased the sensing voltage of the TER/PVP/ PEDOT:PSS blend sensor (electronic-ionic polymer sensor). In addition PVP can serve as a surface stabilizer, growth modifier, nanoparticle dispersant, and reducing agent. The behavior of PVP is due to the amphiphilic nature and the molecular weight of the selected PVP. These mentioned characteristics affect the nanoparticle growth, morphology add growth conditions. The TER polymer was used as electrostrictive property and as actuators. The PEDOT-PSS attached polymer nanocrystals were not proposed for voltage generation. Earlier by researchers, TER/PEDOT:PSS blend polymer utilized for piezoresistive and thermoelectric generator application. The morphology analysis of the TER/PEDOT:PSS blend indicated that TER grain structure was dominated and PEDOT:PSS beads were developed, and crystal formation of PEDOT was observed in the TER/PEDOT:PSS blend. In the present invention, TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS electronic-ionic polymer blend for sensing voltage application is used. In this blend, PVP helps in developing microcrystal of PEDOT:PSS between the backbone of TER polymer. The PVP shows intermolecular bonding with PEDOT:PSS and TER polymer and develops a miscible electronic/ionic blend. This helps to generate the high sensing voltage with bending strain.

[0030] Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic model of a polymer blend membrane and an electronic ionic polymer sensor, according to an embodiment herein. Fig. 1(a) shows the intermolecular interaction (hydrogen bonding) between hydrogen atoms of the TER and oxygen content of PEDOT:PSS polymer occurred that implies the compatibility of the TER/PEDOT:PSS blends. The chemical structure of TER, PEDOT, and PSS polymers and their hydrogen bonding interaction between them are shown in Fig. 1(a). It depicts that the hydrogen atom of the TER is connected to SO3- of PSS of PEDOT via hydrogen bonding. In our blend membrane, PSS acts as a linking agent between TER and PEDOT:PSS. Fig. 1(b) depicts how the electronic ionic polymer blend sensor, which has polymer blend membrane immersed in the ionic liquid, connected with the measuring device. Fig. 1(c) shows SEM image of the electronic-ionic polymer blend sensor.

[0031] The poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and polystyrene sulphonate (PEDOT:PSS) (Clevios PH1000), Silver paste, PVP, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium-hydrogen sulfate ionic liquid (IL), N, N-dimethylformamide DMF were purchased from Aldrich. The TER- 61.8% (VDF-Vinylidene fluoride), 30.4% (Trifluoroethylene-TrFE), and 7.8% (Chlorotrifluoroethylene-CTFE) powder was purchased from the Piezotech Arkemy group.

[0032] Synthesis of Polymer Blend Membrane and Preparation of Sensor:

[0033] A method of fabrication of electronic-ionic polymer blend sensor is disclosed in detailed.

Synthesis of Polymer Blend Membranes:

[0034] The various amounts of TER polymer (TER polymer comprises Vinylidene fluoride VDF, Trifluoroethylene-TrFE, and Chlorotrifluoroethylene-CTFE), a polymer mixture of two ionomers (PEDOT:PSS) and polyvinylpyrrolydine (PVP) were mixed in DMF to form a blend solution (10 weight (wt) %) to fabricate the polymer (TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS) blend membrane. The blend solution was placed on a magnetic stirrer for 12 hrs. Then, the blend solution was poured onto a glass petri dish and kept at 80 °C for 24 hours, followed by the heat at 110°C for 12 hrs. The blend membrane was taken out from the glass petri dish after cooling. For the development of TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS polymer blend membrane, the ratio of PVP is fixed up to 5 % with TER and PEDOT:PSS ratio. Above the 5 % of PVP, blend membrane was brittle, making it unsuitable for strain sensor applications. We have fabricated various TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blends with blending ratios of 20/05/75, 15/05/80 and /05/85. One more Blend prepared in the absence of PVP (see in Table 1).

Table 1: Composition ratios of blend membrane Name Composition ratios

Blend membrane A 20/5/75 TER:PVP:PEDOT-PSS ratios

Blend membrane B 15/05/80 TER:PVP:PEDOT-PSS ratios

Blend membrane C 10/05/85 TER:PVP:PEDOT-PSS ratios

Blend membrane D 10:0:90 TER:PVP:PEDOT-PSS ratios

Preparation of electronic-ionic polymer blend sensor:

[0035] The electronic-ionic polymer blend sensor of the present invention is prepared by using the polymer blend membrane. In the first step, the polymer blend membrane is immersed in 60% ionic liquid to absorb anions and cation. The ionic liquid is 1-butyl-3 methylimidazolium-hydrogen sulfate ionic liquid. Then the silver electrodes were implemented on both surfaces of the blend membrane for the fabrication of sensors and recorded the sensing voltage signals after applying bending strain.

Characterization of Polymer Blend Membrane:

[0036] The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis (Hitachi, S-4700) were used to characterize the structures of the fractured blend membrane. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) of the blends was carried out by XRD Rigaku Ultima IV (Japan) using Cu Ka radiations (X = 0.154 nm) with a scan speed of 2° min-I between 5-90°. The chemical interaction between blends was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis (FTIR SHIMADZU, IR). The differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) was used to check the glass transition and melting temperature of the blend with a flow rate of 200 ml/min at a heating rate of 5°C/min under a nitrogen atmosphere. The Instron 3366 universal tensile testing machine was used to check the tensile properties of the blend membrane. The tensile data of the samples were recorded with a tensile machine at the rate of 10 mm per min. The contact angle of blend membranes was characterized using a drop shape analyzer (model DSA25S, Kruss GMBH, Germany).

Structural Analysis of Polymer Blend Membrane

[0037] XRD is investigated to check the amorphous and crystalline nature of the TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blend. Fig. 2 depicts XRD micrographs of the polymer blends (a); DSC spectra of the polymer blends (b); FT-IR spectra of the polymer blends (c); and TGA spectra of the polymer blend membranes. The spectrum of pure TER polymer that shows a diffraction peak at 20= 19.60, which is assigned to the crystal structure of the relaxor ferroelectric (see in Fig. 2 (a) (i)). The Blend membrane A (20/05/75), Blend membrane B (15/05/80) and Blend membrane C (10/05/85) (TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS) blends are shown in Fig. 2 (a) (ii)-(iv), respectively. The 20/05/75 blend membrane A shows the broad diffraction peak at 17.70°(~18 0), attributed to the PSS peak. The TER peak was not found in the blend. The 15/05/80 blend B and 10/05/85 blend C shows the diffraction peak at 8.72 related to PEDOT-PSS, 18.1 related to PSS, 22.50 related to PEDOT. The 15/05/80 blend B and 10/05/85 blend C shows various peaks of PEDOT and PSS in the TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blends. If we compare the XRD results of TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blends with our previous study of TER/PEDOT:PSS blends, we found that diffraction peaks of PEDOT and PSS were not observed. The XRD results of TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS indicates that PVP improved the intermolecular bonding with PEDOT and PSS and helps in developing the PEDOT crystals.

[0038] DSC of blends was examined to check the semicrystalline and amorphous nature of TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blends. Fig. 2 (b) shows the TER polymer curie temperature (Tc) at 84 °C and melting temperature (Tm) at 144.5°C. This implies the ferroelectric nature of the TER polymer. The 20/05/75 blend A shows one endothermic peak at 138 °C and one broad peak of glass transition temperature (Tg) at 71°C. The 15/05/80 and 10/05/85 blend B & C show broad peak of glass transition temperature (Tg) only at 75 °C and 39 °C, respectively. No Tm peaks of these blends were observed. This implies that 15/05/80 blend membrane B and 10/05/85 blend membrane C are perfect miscible blends due to the enhanced interaction of PVP with TER and PEDOT:PSS polymer.

[0039] The FTIR of the blend was analysed to check the chemical interaction between TER, PVP, and PEDOT:PSS. The pure TER shows the crystalline structure peaks (see in Fig. 2 (c) (i)) at wavenumber (v)= 851 cm-1 for CF2 (symmetric stretching), v = 886 cm-1 for CF2 (symmetric stretching), v = 1170 cm-1 for stretching mode of CC, v = 1402 cm-1 for wagging (CH2). The PVP shows the OH bonding peak at v = at 3460 cm-1 and CO bonding at v = at

1774 cm-1, respectively. The PEDOT:PSS shows characteristics at v = 3530 cm-' for OH bonding, v = 2875 cm-1 for C-H bonding, v = 1269 cm-1 for CC bond, v = 942 cm-1 for S-0 bonding, and v = 680 cm-1 for C-S bond, respectively (Fig. 2(c)(iii)). The 20/05/75 blend shows OH peaks at v = 3530 cm-1, CH peaks at v = 2975 cm-1, CO peaks at v = at 1676 cm-. The 15/05/80 blend shows OH peaks at v = 3545 cm-1, CH peaks at v = 2861 cm-1, CO peaks at v = at 1730 cm-1. The 10/05/85 blend shows OH peaks at v = 3503 cm-1,CH peaks at v= 2952 cm-1, CO peaks at v = at 1690 cm-1. The OH, CH, and CO peaks of TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blends were changed compared to those of the pure PVP and PEDOT:PSS polymer that indicates the interaction between PVP with TER and PEDOT:PSS polymers. The intensity and wavenumber of CF2 , CC, CH2 C-C, S-0, and C-S bonds of TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blends was also changed (decreased/increased) as compared to those of the pure TER and PEDOT:PSS that implies the interaction between PVP with TER and PEDOT:PSS polymers.

[0040] TGA analysis is employed to determine thermal stability and the corresponding degradation stages according to the temperature of the TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blend. Fig. 2 (d) shows the TGA analysis of the pure TER and the TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blend. The figure shows that the pure TER remained stable up to 400 °C (losses only 1.94 %), and from 400 °C to 500 °C the mass losses of 6.75 wt% was observed. The first mass losses of the /05/75, 15/05/80 and 10/05/80 blend membranes (A, B, and C, respectively) were 2.07 %, 2.78 % and 8.11 %, respectively, from 20 °C to 280 °C, due to the removal of water from the blend membranes. The TGA analysis of blends in this temperature range found that 10/05/85 blend C absorbed high water content compared to the other two blends. This is also verified from high pores structure (SEM analysis) and low contact angle of 10/05/85 blend, as explained in the next section 3.1 and 3.2 of results and discussion. The second mass losses of the 20/05/75, 15/05/80 and 10/05/80 blend membrane were 92.74 %, 70 %, and 81.4 %, respectively, from 280 °C to 500 °C due to the loss of sulfonic acid groups by desulfonation, which confirms the introduction of sulfonic acid group in the TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blend polymer chain. The final temperature range from 500 °C to 600 °C is attributed to the decomposition of the polymer's and the blend membrane's backbone.

[0041] Fig. 3 depicts SEM images of (a) cross section of PEDOT:PSS; (b) 10/90 blend of TER polymer with PEDOT:PSS; (c & d) Blend membrane A (20/5/75 TER:PVP:PEDOT PSS ratios) in low and higher concentration, respectively;; (e & f) Blend membrane B

(15/05/80 TER:PVP:PEDOT-PSS ratios) in low and higher magnification, respectively; and (g & h) Blend membrane C (10/05/85 TER:PVP:PEDOT-PSS ratios) in low and higher magnification, respectively, according to an embodiment herein. The crystal formation of PEDOT:PSS the backbone of PVP and TER polymer blend was verified using microstructures of TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blends. Fig. 3(a) shows the SEM image of PEDOT:PSS membrane that shows the white spherical particles in the backbone of PSS (dark structure). The SEM image of the pure TER polymers is shown in Fig. S3, which shows the dense grains structure of the TER. Fig. 3 (b) shows TER/PEDOT:PSS (10/90) blend membrane D, and exhibits a grain layer of TER was shown and PEDOT:PSS particles were distributed between these grain. However, PEDOT crystals were not developed in TER/PEDOT:PSS. Fig. 3 (c)-(d) shows the SEM image of 20/05/75 TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blend membrane A with magnification of 15 and 100, respectively. From this figure, it was found that the agglomerations of PEDOT crystal with 300 nm and pores were found on the surface of the PVP/TER/PSS blends. Fig. 3 (e)-(f) shows the SEM image of 15/05/80 TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blend membrane B. From this figure, it was found that the agglomerations of rectangular PEDOT crystal with 357 nm were trapped inside the PVP/TER/PSS blends. Fig. 3 (g)-(h) shows the SEM image of 10/05/80 TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blend membrane C. It was found that the pores and agglomerations of small and big PEDOT crystal with 89 nm were found on its surface. In case of TER/PEDOT:PSS blend structure (Fig. 3 (b)), PEDOT crystals and pores were not formed. In case of TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blend, PEDOT crystals and pores were formed on the surface of the TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blend due to the hydrogen bonding of PVP with TER and PEDOT:PSS polymer. This leads the TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blend to generate high sensing voltage as compared to the TER/PEDOT:PSS blend. The crystal growth of PEDOT was observed when PEDOT:PSS was blended with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), poly(acrylic acid), and poly(methacrylic acid) polymers. It has been reported that hydrophilic polymer (PVA) helped to generated PEDOT crystals when PVA blended with PEDOT:PSS.

[0042] EDX elemental mapping of polymer blend membranes (A, B, C, and D) was performed to confirm the presence of C, 0, F, and S elements. The 10/05/85 blend membrane C shows highest the S, 0 and N elements as compared to the other blends. This implies that this blend shows high ion exchange and conduction sites and absorbs the high amount of charging ions from ionic liquid and responsible for generating sensing voltage. The elemental compositions were investigated from the surface of TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blend and were calculated in weight (wt.%) and atomic (at.%). From the EDX mapping and calculation, it was found that 10/05/85 TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blend membrane C contains highest N (12.36%), 0 ( 2 2 .5 3 %) and S (8.4 %) elements compared to those of the Blend membrane A and B (20/05/75 and 15/05/80), which was found responsible for the ionic condition. Due to the highest 0, N, and S content of 10/05/85 blend membrane C, an enhancement in the electrical and sensing performance of the 10/05/85 blend is observed.

[0043] The hydrophilic nature of the various polymer blend membranes (TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS) blends were characterized by the contact angle. It is well known that the contact angle <900 of any surface is considered hydrophilic surface. Fig. 4 depicts contact angles of the polymer blends: (a) Blend membrane A (20/5/75 TER:PVP:PEDOT-PSS ratios); (b) Blend membrane B (15/05/80 TER:PVP:PEDOT-PSS ratios) and Blend membrane C (10/05/85 TER:PVP:PEDOT-PSS ratios). Fig. 4 (a), (b) and (c) show the average contact angle of 86.8°, 54.8 and 53.75° for 20/05/75, 15/05/80 and 10/05/85 blends, respectively. A lower contact angle from the surface of blends implies hydrophilic nature. The 10/05/85 based blend shows the lowest contact angle of 53.75' which implies the highest hydrophilic nature compared to the other blends of 20/05/75 and 15/05/80. This might be caused by the highest , N, and S content of 10/05/85 blend that improves the electrical and sensing performance of the 10/05/85 blend sensor.

MECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF POLYMER BLEND MEMBRANE:

[0044] The measurement setup includes a bending machine with holders to hold the blend membrane embedded in the humidity chamber and connected to STM-32 Microcontroller. The sensing voltage data is achieved by using an oscilloscope that is connected to the STM-32 microcontroller. A microcontroller controls the speed of the bending machine. After immersing the blended sensor in ionic liquid solution, the blend membranes are again kept in the bending machine in the holders. The data is read by using a data card reader.

[0045] The ductility of the electronic-ionic polymer blend sensor is an essential parameter for sustaining strength and reproducibility after applying bending force or pressure. Fig. 5 depicts graph of Tensile stress of the polymer blends as a function of strain, The calculated tensile properties from Fig. 5 summarized in Table 2. The tensile strain of 20/05/75, 15/05/80 and 10/05/85 blend was found to be 385, 27, and 223 %, respectively. The 10/05/85 blend achieved the highest Young's modulus, and the 20/05/75 blend achieved the highest strain. Our proposed TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blend showed high tensile strain with low young's modulus that shows high ductility of the blended sensor, which is an essential parameter for sensing applications.

Table 2. Tensile properties of 20/05/75,15/05/80,10/05/85TER/PEDOT:PSS blends Young's Tensile Tensile Membrane modulus strength strain( %) (MPa) (MPa) 20/05/75 - Blend Membrane A 0.27 2 385 15/05/80 - Blend Membrane B 0.59 0.21 270 10/05/85 - Blend Membrane C 1.8 3.5 223

DIELECTRIC AND ELECTROCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF POLYMER BLEND MEMBRANE:

[0046] The dielectric properties of TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blend sensors in the frequency range of 20 Hz to 1 MHz at room temperature were calculated using E4900A impedance analyzer (Keysight technologies Germany). To collect the data, the 16451B Teflon coated stainless steel parallel plate probes were used. The capacitance (C) and dielectric loss (tan6) data as a function of frequency (f) of blend sensor were achieved using the impedance analyzer. The dielectric constant (') was calculated using the following equation (1)

E' = C/AxE 0 (1)

A is the electrode area, 1 denotes the thickness of the sensor membrane, co is permittivity in air/free space.

The value of ac conductivity (uac) was obtained from the equation (2)

cac = a XEO XE' X tano (2)

Where o is the angular frequency and is calculated using the formula o= 27f.

The ionic conductivity of the blends was calculated using following equation (3).

Oac -- LIR x A (3)

Where ce denotes the conductivity, L denotes the thickness of sample, (R) defines the resistance of the blend and (A) denotes the area of cross-section

Where dc denotes the conductivity, L denotes the thickness of sample, (R) defines the

resistance of the blend and (A) denotes the area of cross-section.

[0047] The dielectric properties (', tan 6, and uac ) of TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blend are critical for sensor application. High storing energy and reduced releasing energy of blend with mechanical bending strain depend on high values ofC'. High 'of TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blend indicates the uniform distribution of electronic-ionic PEDOT:PSS and ionic PVP within TER polymer. This implies the increased dipole-moment of the TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blend and enhancing the sensing voltage with bending strain. The s' of various TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blends is shown in Fig. 6 (a). The 'of TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blends decreased with increasing frequency because the dipoles moment of TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blend were not followed at the higher frequencies. In the lower frequency region of 20 Hz, the C'of TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blends showed enhanced values as compared to those of the TER/PEDOT:PSS blend. This due to the intermolecular bonding of TER/PEDOT:PSS and PVP contents that produce large numbers of dipole moments of TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blends. The 15/05/80 TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blend showed higher s' than those of the other blends because of the good miscibility of TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blend.

[0048] The tan 6 of the TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blends as a function of f is shown in Fig 8(a). The tan 6 of all blends decreases with increasing up to 10 kHz, after then values of the tan 6 of all blends increased with increasing f. The tan6 of TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blend increased with conducting PEDOT:PSS and PVP contents. In the lower frequency region, the tan 6 of 15/05/80 TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blend showed higher tan 6 as compared to those of the other blends.

[0049] The ua of various TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blends as a function of f is shown in Fig. 6 (b). The uac of 20/05/75 blend A & 15/05/80 blend B increased with increasing frequency as it was directly proportional to f. The uac of 10/05/80 blend C slightly decreased with increasing frequency. The ua of 15/05/85 blend C showed a high value of ac as compared to other blends. This indicated presence of TER and PVP interaction polymer leading to enhance the Gac.

[0050] The values of t' and tan6 of the TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blends are compared to TER/PEDOT:PSS blends and mentioned in Table 3. The s' and tan 6 of the TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blends are higher than that of the TER/PEDOT:PSS blends, which might be due to hydrophilic PVP in TER/PEDOT:PSS blends, an hydrophilic basic polymer and create pores in the TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blends. These effects minimize the tan 6 (=4.8) and maintain high values of t'= 106, suggesting TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blends store high energy and dissipates less energy. The nyquist plot of impedance spectra of blends has been analysed to check the electrochemical analysis of blends. Fig. 6 (c) and (d) show the spectra of Z" with Z' for 20/05/75 and 10/0/90 blends and 15/05/80 and 10/05/85 blends, respectively. The intersection of spectra of Z" on Z' on the high frequency region shows ionic resistance (R) of the blends.

[0051] The value of R of Blend membranes A, B, C, and D (20/05/75, 15/05/80, 10/05/85 and 10/0/90) was found to be 1151 Q, 143 Q, 93 Q and 2287 Q, respectively. Using the value of R and eq. (3), GDCof blends were calculated and reported in Table 3. The 10/05/85 showed lowest value of R and highest valueof aDC. This is due to the higher 0, N, and S elements of /05/85 blend as compared to other blends that enhanced the ionic conduction and sensing voltage of this blend. The 0, N, and S elements create the ion exchange sites (SO 3 , SO, and CO) sites of 10/05/85 blend membrane C that impart ionic and electronic conductivity. The GDC Of10/05/85 blend was compared with previous ionic polymers sensors. It was found that electronic-ionic TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS 10/05/85 blend membrane C showed higher conduction as compared to those of the TER/PVP/ionic liquid, TER/PVP/PSSA, and Nafion (Commercial) ionic polymer that helps 10/05/85 blend to generate high sensing voltage.

Table 3 Dielectric, Electrical and Sensing properties of various Blends

S.N. Blend F' at 20 Hz tan 6 at 20 Ge Sensing Reference sensors Hz (S/cm) voltage (V) at 0.2 Hz S.N. Blend F' at 20 Hz tan 6 at 20 Gdc Sensing Reference sensors Hz (S/cm) voltage (V) at 0.2 Hz 1. 20/05/75 1.75 x 1.48 0.0015 1.1 This TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS 105 work 2. 15/05/80 2.7 x 106 4.8 0.0125 8.94 This TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS work 3. 10/05/85 4.9 x 105 1.65 0.02 27 This TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS work 4. 10/0/90 1.25 x 1.54 0.0007 0.3 This TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS 101 work 5. TER/PVP/ionic liquid NA NA 0.0021 0.6 Reference (i) 6. TER/PVP/PSSA NA NA 0.001 0.05 Reference (i) 7. Nafion (Commercial) NA NA 0.0047 0.008 Reference (i) 8. PEODT/PVDF NA NA NA 16.4 Reference (ii)

[0052] Reference (i): V. Panwar, A. Gopinathan, Ionic polymer-metal nanocomposite sensor using the direct attachment of acidic ionic liquid in a polymer blend, J. Mater. Chem. C. (2019). https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TC02355K/

[0053] Reference (ii): T. Park, B. Kim, Y. Kim, E. Kim, Highly conductive PEDOT electrodes for harvesting dynamic energy through piezoelectric conversion, J. Mater. Chem. A. 2 (2014) 5462-5469. https://doi.org/10.1039/C3TA14726F

Voltage Sensing Analysis:

[0054] The sensing properties of the samples were evaluated in terms of sensing voltage after immersing them in ionic liquid solution. The sensing voltage of TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blends sensor with a bending strain of 0.009 (at frequency 0.2 Hz) is shown in Fig. 7 (a). The /05/85 blend sensor showed a high value of sensing voltage (27 V) as compared to the sensing voltage of 15/05/80 (8.89 V), and 20/05/75 (1.1 V) blends sensor. This might be due to the highCDC, high SO3 sites, and porosities of 10/05/85 blend sensor compared to the other

/05/80 and 20/05/75 blends sensor. The comparison of sensing voltage of TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blends sensor with TER/PEDOT:PSS and PEDOT/PVDF sensor is shown above in Table 3. It was found that the TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blends sensor displayed high values of the sensing voltages with bending strain as compared to those of the TER/PEDOT:PSS blend, and PEDOT:PVDF sensor, and previous existing ionic sensors based on TER/PVP/ionic liquid, TER/PVP/PSS and Nafion membranes. This is due to the high GDC, high porosity and PEDOT crystal of TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blends sensor that helps in a large movement of ions via the surface of TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blends sensor with bending force. Fig. 7 (b) shows the sensing voltage of 10/05/85 TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blend sensor as a function of time (applied bending strain of 0.009) at different f. From the data, it was found that the sensor shows the highest voltage signal at 0.2 Hz. At the lower frequency region 0.1 Hz and higher frequency region 0.3 Hz, the sensor generated lower sensing voltage because, at 0.3 Hz, the ions might not have followed with bending strain. Fig. 7 (c) shows the sensing voltage of TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blends sensor with bending strain. The sensing voltage of all the blend sensors increased with bending strain from 0.0036 to 0.009. Because high bending strain created a high bending force that propels a large number of free ions for generating high sensing voltage. In conclusion, TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blends, high charge generation with bending strain owing to the porosity, highGDC and the presence of large PEDOT crystals on the surface of the TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blends.

[0055] In the present invention, it is disclosed an electronic-ionic polymer blend sensor based on a polymer blend membrane, TER/PVP PEDOT:PSS blend, that generates voltage as high as 27 V. The 10/05/85 TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blend membrane C shows PEDOT crystals 89 nm, pores formation on its surface, and high ionic conductivity as compared to those of the TER/PEDOT:PSS blend and previous existing ionic sensors based on TER/PVP/ionic liquid, TER/PVP/PSS and Nafion membranes. This assisted to generate enhanced sensing signals of 27 V of TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blend with an applied bending strain of 0.009. The compositing comprising 10/05/85 TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blend membrane C showed the lowest contact angle of 53.75° implying the hydrophilic nature and porosity compared to the other blends, resulting in achieving the highest dielectric constant of 107 as compared to other 20/05/75 and 15/05/85 blends. The TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS blend shows high tensile strain (223 %) and low young's modulus (1 MPa)- favourable properties for strain sensors. Due to the high sensing voltage and flexibility of TER/PVP/PEDOT:PSS electronic-ionic polymer blend sensor could be utilized for thermoelectric, piezoresistive, pressure sensing, humidity sensor, electrode material for sensors/actuators and bio-electrode application.

[0056] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-discussed embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

[0057] The benefits and advantages which may be provided by the present invention have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. These benefits and advantages, and any elements or limitations that may cause them to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features of any or all of the embodiments.

[0058] While the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood that the embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Many variations, modifications, additions and improvements to the embodiments described above are possible. It is contemplated that these variations, modifications, additions and improvements fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An electronic-ionic polymer sensor for voltage generation comprising a polymer blend membrane, wherein said polymer blend membrane comprises a TER polymer, a polyvinylpyrrolydine (PVP), and a polymer mixture of two ionomers; and an ionic liquid; Wherein said TER polymer comprises Vinylidene fluoride, Trifluoroethylene, and Chlorotrifluoroethylene; Wherein said polymer mixture is PEDOT:PSS and wherein said ionomers are poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and polystyrene sulfonate; and Wherein said polymer blend membrane has a sensing voltage at 0.2 Hz in the range of 0.3 to 27 V.

2. The electronic-ionic polymer blend sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said polymer blend membrane comprises said TER polymer, a polyvinylpyrrolydine (PVP), and said polymer mixture in different ratios of 20/05/75, 10/05/85, and 15/05/80, respectively.

3. The electronic-ionic polymer blend sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said polymer blend membrane has a Tensile strength in the range of 0.21 to 3.5 MPa, Young's modulus in the range of 0.27 to 1.8 MPa, and Tensile strain in the range of 223 to 385 %.

4. The electronic-ionic polymer blend sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said polymer blend membrane has a dielectric loss tangent (tan 6) at 20 Hz in the range of 1.48 to 4.8; a real permittivity s' at 20 Hz in the range of 1.25 x 105 to 2.7 x 106; and DC electrical conductivity GDC in the range of 0.0007 to 0.0125 S/cm.

5. A method of fabrication of electronic-ionic polymer blend sensor, wherein said method comprising the following steps: a. A method of preparing a polymer blend membrane comprising the following steps: i. Mixing a TER polymer, a polyvinylpyrrolydine (PVP), and a polymer mixture of two ionomers (PEDOT:PSS) in an organic solvent, dimethyl formamide to form a blend solution 10 wt%; ii. Stirring a blend solution for twelve hours on a magnetic stirrer; iii. Pouring a blend solution on a glass petri dish to form a layer; iv. Keeping said glass petri dish having said layer at 80 °C for 24 hours; v. Heating said glass petri dish of step (iv) at 110°C for 12 hrs; and vi. Taking out said polymer blend membrane from said glass petri dish after cooling; b. Immersing said polymer blend membrane formed in step (a) in to 60% 1-butyl 3-methylimidazolium-hydrogen sulfate ionic liquid (IL) for absorbing anions and cations; and c. Implementing two electrodes on both surfaces of said polymer blend membrane obtained from step (b).