This work evaluates the degradation capabilities of different carboxylic acid-doped electroconductive films, focusing on 1,2,4-benzene tricarboxylic acid, citric acid, and diphenic acid. The stretchable electronic polymer system is composed of polyaniline (PANI), poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid) (PAAMPSA), and dopants. The film is synthesized through the oxidative polymerization of aniline while PAAMPSA acts as a template to guide the PANI polymerization. The degradation tests were carried out under ultraviolet (UV) light, soil burial, and aqueous conditions. Interestingly, the films completely dissolved in distilled water within 10 minutes. Additionally, the dissolved solution could be recast to develop new functional sensors, indicating the reusability of the sensors. Soil degradation tests further demonstrated degradation of the films within 24 hours. FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopic analysis of UV-exposed films for 24 hours showed significant peak shifting and flattening. These findings confirm the potential of carboxylic acid-doped polymeric sensors as sustainable, eco-friendly materials for sensing applications, combining efficient degradability with reprocessability to minimize environmental impact.
