Innovative Solutions for Hydrogel Semiconductor Challenges in Wearable Electronics

This Research Topic focuses on the pressing challenges and open questions in the development and application of hydrogel-based semiconducting devices. As the demand for flexible, stretchable, and biocompatible electronics grows, addressing issues such as environmental stability, electrode corrosion, and signal interference becomes crucial. This study aims to identify the current limitations in hydrogel sensor designs, particularly those used in variable environmental conditions and wearable applications. It will explore innovative approaches to enhance device longevity, sensitivity, and reliability, such as novel encapsulation techniques and corrosion-resistant materials. By engaging with current debates and analyzing recent experimental findings, this research seeks to propose new strategies to optimize the performance of hydrogel-based semiconductors, paving the way for their broader application in advanced electronic systems.

The aim of this Research Topic is to provide a platform for the research community to report on the current status and the latest developments in hydrogel electronic materials, and in particular hydrogel semiconductors, as well as hydrogel-based devices, circuits and systems. Specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to, material synthesis and characterization, device fabrication and performance assessment, device stability/reliability, device physics and modelling/simulation, as well as material/device integration into multifunctional systems, future technologies (e.g., skin compatible wearables), etc. Research results in any field of science where this class of materials is used will be considered for publication. By compounding experimental and theoretical methods, this research topic seeks to advance the development of hydrogels for next-generation of wearable electronics.

Submissions of original research papers, reviews, mini reviews, editorials and perspective articles covering the following topics are sought:

• Synthesis and characterization of hydrogels

• Electronic properties of hydrogel electronic materials

• Fabrication and operation of devices using hydrogel semiconductors

• Modelling and simulation of devices based on hydrogel electronic materials

• Integration of hydrogel electronic materials into multifunctional systems

• Flexible and wearable electronics using hydrogels

• Emerging applications (use cases) of hydrogels

• New hydrogel-based technologies

The above topic list is non-exclusive and submissions reporting other hydrogel research will also be considered.

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial

• Mini Review

• Original Research

• Perspective

• Review

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review

Keywords: hydrogel semiconductor: material synthesis, material characterization, material engineering; electronic devices: fabrication, characterization, device physics and modelling; wearable electronics and technologies.

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.