Detection of Ice Formation With the Polymeric Mixed Ionic‐Electronic Conductor PEDOT: PSS for Aeronautics

Abstract

Ice formation detection is important in telecommunications and aeronautics, e.g., ice on the wings of an aircraft affects its aerodynamic performance and leads to fatal accidents. While many types of sensors exist, resistive sensors for ice detection have been poorly explored. They are however attractive because of their simplicity and the possibility to install an array of sensors on large areas to map the ice formation on wings. Hygroscopic ionic conductors have been demonstrated for resistive ice sensing but their high resistance prevents the readout of sensor arrays. In this work, mixed ionic‐electronic polymer conductors (MIEC) are considered for the first time for ice detection. The polymer blend poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) is solution deposited on a pair of electrodes. The sensor displays an abrupt rise in electrical resistance during the transition phase between water liquid to solid. It is proposed that the morphology and electronic transport in PEDOT are affected by the freezing event because the absorbed water in the PSS‐rich phase undergoes dilatation upon forming ice crystals. For the aeronautics application, successful tests of integration of sensing layer in pre‐preg layers of aeronautical grade and freezing detection are carried out to validate the ice detection principle.

Environmental Chamber Characterization of an Ice Detection Sensor for Aviation Using Graphene and PEDOT:PSS

“…For the sensing element, PEDOT:PSS is employed due to its hygroscopic properties, conductivity, water solubility, and elasticity [6].…”

“…This method underscores the importance of precision in creating sensors that exhibit both high electronic and ionic conductivity, which is crucial for their functionality in detecting envi-ronmental changes such as ice formation. The interaction between the inherent conductive properties of the polymer and external factors such as humidity is a key consideration in the design and application of these sensing films, with the aim of leveraging their unique charge transport mechanisms for efficient and accurate sensing capabilities [6].…”

“…Recent advancements in material science have ushered in a new era of potential solutions, with graphene-based technologies at the forefront [6,7]. Graphene's exceptional conductivity, flexibility, and strength make it an ideal candidate for sensitive and accurate ice detection.…”

Acid- and Alkali-Resistant Microporous Na4Cu8Ge3S12·xH2O Exhibiting Fast Mixed Sodium Ion and Electron Conduction

“…Mixed ion-electron conductors (MIECs), characterized by their ability to simultaneously transport ions and electrons, have critical applications in a wide range of electrochemical devices, including solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), − metal ion batteries, − sensors, − supercapacitors, electrochemical transistors, , and surface switching devices . Meanwhile, the unique dual conducting capability has sparked significant scientific interest in exploring preferable MIECs with high conductivity and good stability.…”

“…The conventional MIECs are the composites that are typically composed of ion- and electron-conducting components, e.g., PEDOT:PSS, ,, Bi 1.5 Er 0.5 O 3 -M (M = Au, Ag), La 0.8 Sr 0.2 MnO 3‑δ -YSZ, and 2D-Co-NS-PBS . As for the multiphase MIECs, the transport of ions and electrons occurs within the distinct bulk phases.…”