A review on versatile applications of polyvinyl alcohol thin films, specifically as sensor devices

Abstract Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) thin films (PVATFs) have recently exhibited different applications in various fields, such as biomedical, optical, and energy storage. One of their outstanding applications has been known as sensor devices for various physical parameters, such as pH, pressure, gas, chemicals, strain, and humidity measurements. In this paper, after a brief review of the PVATFs biomedical, optical, and energy applications, their role as sensors is discussed in more detail. Afterward, the main preparation methods of the PVATFs sensors, for example, spin and dip coating, chemical bath deposition, and electrodeposition are surveyed. Eventually, the characterization methods of the fabricated PVATF sensors, along with their optimization techniques have been presented. Highlights Various applications of polyvinyl alcohol thin films (PVATFs) are presented. One of their main applications as sensor devices is discussed in more detail. PVATF sensors fabrication, characterization, and optimization are surveyed.