1
|
Hou S, Chen C, Bai L, Yu J, Cheng Y, Huang W. Stretchable Electronics with Strain-Resistive Performance. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2306749. [PMID: 38078789 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202306749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2024]
Abstract
Stretchable electronics have attracted tremendous attention amongst academic and industrial communities due to their prospective applications in personal healthcare, human-activity monitoring, artificial skins, wearable displays, human-machine interfaces, etc. Other than mechanical robustness, stable performances under complex strains in these devices that are not for strain sensing are equally important for practical applications. Here, a comprehensive summarization of recent advances in stretchable electronics with strain-resistive performance is presented. First, detailed overviews of intrinsically strain-resistive stretchable materials, including conductors, semiconductors, and insulators, are given. Then, systematic representations of advanced structures, including helical, serpentine, meshy, wrinkled, and kirigami-based structures, for strain-resistive performance are summarized. Next, stretchable arrays and circuits with strain-resistive performance, that integrate multiple functionalities and enable complex behaviors, are introduced. This review presents a detailed overview of recent progress in stretchable electronics with strain-resistive performances and provides a guideline for the future development of stretchable electronics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sihui Hou
- School of Automation Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, China
| | - Cong Chen
- School of Automation Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, China
| | - Libing Bai
- School of Automation Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, China
| | - Junsheng Yu
- School of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, China
| | - Yuhua Cheng
- School of Automation Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, China
| | - Wei Huang
- School of Automation Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yan S, Deng X, Chen S, Ma T, Li T, Hu K, Jiang X. Deformation-Induced Photoprogrammable Pattern of Polyurethane Elastomers Based on Poisson Effect. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2307445. [PMID: 37930053 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202307445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Elastomers with high aspect ratio surface patterns are a promising class of materials for designing soft machines in the future. Here, a facile method for fabricating surface patterns on polyurethane elastomer by subtly utilizing the Poisson effect and gradient photocrosslinking is demonstrated. By applying uniaxial tensile strains, the aspect ratio of the surface patterns can be optionally manipulated. At prestretched state, the pattern on the polyurethane elastomer can be readily constructed through compressive stress, resulting from the gradient photocrosslinking via selective photodimerization of an anthracene-functionalized polyurethane elastomer (referred to as ANPU). The macromolecular aggregation structures during stretching deformation significantly contribute to the fabrication of high aspect ratio surface patterns. The insightful finite element analysis well demonstrates that the magnitude and distribution of internal stress in the ANPU elastomer can be regulated by selectively gradient crosslinking, leading to polymer chains migrate from the exposed region to the unexposed region, thereby generating a diverse array of surface patterns. Additionally, the periodic surface patterns exhibit tunable structural color according to the different stretching states and are fully reversible over multiple cycles, opening up avenues for diverse applications such as smart displays, stretchable strain sensors, and anticounterfeiting devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuzhen Yan
- School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, State Key Laboratory for Metal Matrix Composite Materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xinlu Deng
- School of Mechanical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Mechanical Systems and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Shuai Chen
- School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, State Key Laboratory for Metal Matrix Composite Materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Tianjiao Ma
- School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, State Key Laboratory for Metal Matrix Composite Materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Tiantian Li
- School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, State Key Laboratory for Metal Matrix Composite Materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Kaiming Hu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Mechanical Systems and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xuesong Jiang
- School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, State Key Laboratory for Metal Matrix Composite Materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jia J, Peng Y, Ke K, Liu ZY, Yang W. Achieving a Wide-Range Linear Piezoresistive Response in Electrowritten Soft-Hard Polymer Blends via Salami-Inspired Heterostructure Design. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:7939-7949. [PMID: 38300761 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c18967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Flexible electronics capable of acquiring high-precision signals are in great demand for the development of the internet of things and intelligent artificial. However, it is currently a challenge to simultaneously achieve high signal linearity and sensitivity for stretchable resistive sensors over a wide strain range toward advanced application scenarios requiring high signal accuracy, e.g., sophisticated physiological signal discrimination and displacement measurement. Herein, a film strain sensor, which has an electrical and mechanical dual heterostructure, was fabricated via a direct near-field electrowriting and molecule-guided in situ growth of silver nanoparticles with different concentrations on high-modulus polystyrene domains and low-modulus styrene-butadiene copolymers with a salami-like morphology. Mechanism analyses from both theoretical and experimental investigations reveal that the salami-like heteromodulus microstructure regulates microcrack propagation routes, while the heteroconductivity changes the electron transport paths and amplifies the resistance increase during crack propagation. Therefore, the as-designed strain sensor shows a linear resistive response within ca. 70% strain with a gauge factor of 25, unveiling a simple and scalable strategy for trading off signal linearity and sensitivity over a wide strain range for the fabrication of high-performance linear strain sensors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Jia
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Yan Peng
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Kai Ke
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
- Key Laboratory of Basalt Fiber and Composites of Sichuan Province, Dazhou, Sichuan 635756, China
| | - Zheng-Ying Liu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Wei Yang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
- Key Laboratory of Basalt Fiber and Composites of Sichuan Province, Dazhou, Sichuan 635756, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jalali-Mousavi M, Cheng SKS, Sheng J. Synthesis of Wrinkle-Free Metallic Thin Films in Polymer by Interfacial Instability Suppression with Nanoparticles. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:1044. [PMID: 36985941 PMCID: PMC10054355 DOI: 10.3390/nano13061044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Synthesis of a smooth conductive film over an elastomer is vital to the development of flexible optics and wearable electronics, but applications are hindered by wrinkles and cracks in the film. To date, a large-scale wrinkle-free film in an elastomer has yet to be achieved. We present a robust method to fabricate wrinkle-free, stress-free, and optically smooth thin film in elastomer. Targeting underlying mechanisms, we applied nanoparticles between the film and elastomer to jam the interface and subsequently suppress interfacial instabilities to prevent the formation of wrinkles. Using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and parylene-C as a model system, we have synthesized large-scale (>10 cm) wrinkle-free Al film over/in PDMS and demonstrated the principle of interface jamming by nanoparticles. We varied the jammer layer thickness to show that, as the layer exceeds a critical thickness (e.g., 150 nm), wrinkles are successfully suppressed. Nano-indentation experiments revealed that the interface becomes more elastic and less viscoelastic with respect to the jammer thickness, which further supports our assertion of the wrinkle suppression mechanism. Since the film was embedded in a polymer matrix, the resultant film was highly deformable, elastic, and optically smooth with applications for deformable optical sensors and actuators.
Collapse
|
5
|
Xue K, Zhou Z, Yang H, Cui A, Cheng W, Jiang D, Xu Y, Shang T, Zhan Q. Stabilizing High-Frequency Magnetic Properties of Stretchable CoFeB Films by Ribbon-Patterned Periodic Wrinkles. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023. [PMID: 36913709 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c00845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The intrinsic nonstretchable feature of magnetic films has significantly limited its applications on wearable high-frequency devices. Recent studies have proved that the wrinkling surface structure based on the growth on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is an effective route to obtain stretchable magnetic films. However, it is still a great challenge to simultaneously achieve a desired stretchability and stretching-insensitive high-frequency properties of magnetic films. Herein, we reported a convenient method to stabilize the high-frequency properties of stretchable magnetic films by depositing magnetic ribbon-patterned films on prestrain PDMS membranes. The ribbon-patterned wrinkling CoFeB films have far fewer cracks than the continuous film, which indicates a nice strain-relief effect and thus confers the stability of high-frequency properties for the films under stretching. However, the wrinkle bifurcation and the uneven thickness at the ribbon edge could adversely affect the stability of its high-frequency properties. The 200 μm wide ribbon-patterned film shows the best stretching-insensitive behaviors and maintains a constant resonance frequency of 3.17 GHz at strain from 10% to 25%. Moreover, a good repeatability has been demonstrated by performing thousands of stretch-release cycles, which did not significantly deteriorate its performances. The ribbon-patterned wrinkling CoFeB films with excellent stretching-insensitive high-frequency properties are promising for application in flexible microwave devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelei Xue
- Key Laboratory of Polar Materials and Devices, Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Electronic Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Zheng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Polar Materials and Devices, Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Electronic Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Materials and Devices & Key Laboratory of Nanodevices and Applications, i-Lab, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics (SINANO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Huali Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices & Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China
| | - Anyang Cui
- Technical Center for Multifunctional Magneto-Optical Spectroscopy (Shanghai), Engineering Research Center of Nanophotonics & Advanced Instrument (Ministry of Education), School of Physics and Electronic Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Wenjuan Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Polar Materials and Devices, Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Electronic Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Dongmei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Polar Materials and Devices, Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Electronic Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Polar Materials and Devices, Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Electronic Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Tian Shang
- Key Laboratory of Polar Materials and Devices, Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Electronic Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Qingfeng Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Polar Materials and Devices, Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Electronic Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhao C, Wang Y, Tang G, Ji Y, Zhao X, Mei D, Ru J, Chang L, Li B, Zhu D, Li L. Biological Hair-Inspired AgNWs@Au-Embedded Nafion Electrodes with High Stability for Self-Powered Ionic Flexible Sensors. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:46023-46031. [PMID: 36178786 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c11754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Ionic flexible sensors (IFS) usually consist of an ionomer matrix and two conductive electrodes, the failure of which mostly originates from interfacial debonding between matrix and electrode layers. To improve electrode's adhesion and impedance matching with matrix, polymer binder or plasmonic heating technology is used to enhance the adhesion of electrodes, but there are technical challenges such as high resistance and harsh conditions. Herein, inspired by biological hair, we proposed a reliable and facile method to form AgNWs@Au-embedded Nafion flexible electrodes (AN FEs) for IFS without rigorous temperature and harsh conditions. Through integrating the spraying and electrodepositing Au method, we achieved that the AgNWs are partly embedded in the matrix layer for forming the embedded layer, similar to the root of biological hair, which is used to fix the FEs and collect the ion charges. The other parts of AgNWs exposed on the surface form the conductive mesh layer for transmitting the signal, analogous to the tip of biological hair. Compared with other AgNWs FEs, AN FEs exhibit high adhesion (∼358 kPa) and low sheet resistance (∼ 3.7 Ω/□), and high stabilities after 100 washing cycles, 200 s H2O2 corrosion or 1500s HCl corrosion. A self-powered IFS prepared by AN FEs can achieve dual sensing of mechanical strain and ambient humidity and still has promising sensing performance after being exposed to air for 2 months, which further indicates potential applications of the prepared FEs in next-generation multifunctional flexible electronic devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun Zhao
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Special Robot Technology, Hohai University, Changzhou Campus, Changzhou 213022, China
| | - Yanjie Wang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Special Robot Technology, Hohai University, Changzhou Campus, Changzhou 213022, China
| | - Gangqiang Tang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Special Robot Technology, Hohai University, Changzhou Campus, Changzhou 213022, China
| | - Yujun Ji
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Special Robot Technology, Hohai University, Changzhou Campus, Changzhou 213022, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Special Robot Technology, Hohai University, Changzhou Campus, Changzhou 213022, China
| | - Dong Mei
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Special Robot Technology, Hohai University, Changzhou Campus, Changzhou 213022, China
| | - Jie Ru
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Special Robot Technology, Hohai University, Changzhou Campus, Changzhou 213022, China
| | - Longfei Chang
- Anhui Province Key Lab of Aerospace Structural Parts Forming Technology and Equipment, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Bo Li
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Denglin Zhu
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Special Robot Technology, Hohai University, Changzhou Campus, Changzhou 213022, China
| | - Lijie Li
- College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yong Z, Yap LW, Shi Q, Chesman ASR, Chen E, Fu R, Cheng W. Omnidirectional Hydrogen Generation Based on a Flexible Black Gold Nanotube Array. ACS NANO 2022; 16:14963-14972. [PMID: 36044034 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c05933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Solar-driven hydrogen generation is emerging as an economical and sustainable means of producing renewable energy. However, current photocatalysts for hydrogen generation are mostly powder-based or rigid-substrate-supported, which suffer from limitations, such as difficulties in catalyst regeneration or poor omnidirectional light-harvesting. Here, we report a two-dimensional (2D) flexible photocatalyst based on elastomer-supported black gold nanotube (GNT) arrays with conformal CdS coating and Pt decoration. The highly porous GNT arrays display a strong light-trapping effect, leading to near-complete absorption over almost the entire range of the solar spectrum. In addition, they offer high surface-to-volume ratios promoting efficient photocatalytic reactions. These structural features result in high H2 generation efficiencies. Importantly, our elastomer-supported photocatalyst displays comparable photocatalytic activity even when being mechanically deformed, including bending, stretching, and twisting. We further designed a three-dimensional (3D) tree-like flexible photocatalytic system to mimic Nature's photosynthesis, which demonstrated omnidirectional H2 generation. We believe our strategy represents a promising route in designing next-generation solar-to-fuel systems that rival natural plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zijun Yong
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Lim Wei Yap
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Qianqian Shi
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Anthony S R Chesman
- Ian Wark Laboratories, CSIRO Manufacturing, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
- Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication. Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Emily Chen
- Monash Centre for Electron Microscopy, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Runfang Fu
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Wenlong Cheng
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang J, Ji H, Guo Y, Wang B, Han X, Li L, Wu F, Li J, Lu C. Light-assisted anti-wrinkling on azobenzene-containing polyblend films. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:4475-4482. [PMID: 35667386 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00630h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Undesired surface wrinkling is a persistent issue far from being resolved. Here, we report a simple light-assisted strategy to prevent surface wrinkling on azobenzene-containing polyblend films, which is based on the unique photo-responsive behaviors of azobenzene moieties. Upon visible light irradiation, the mechanical strain-induced surface wrinkling of the azo-based polyblend film attached on a pre-strained compliant substrate can be effectively suppressed. The influence of light irradiation conditions and polyblend composition on the wrinkling resistance has been systematically investigated. Notably, empirical scaling laws that can quantify the connection of the critical wrinkling conditions with external and internal factors are derived. This spatiotemporal light-assisted strategy combined with the simple universal blending method would provide a general guideline for the anti-wrinkling purpose in diverse functional material systems/devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Building Green Functional Materials, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin, 300384, China.
| | - Haipeng Ji
- No. 46 Institute, China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation Sixth Academy, Huhhot, 010010, China
| | - Yanqian Guo
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Building Green Functional Materials, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin, 300384, China.
| | - Bin Wang
- School of Science, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin, 300384, China
| | - Xue Han
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Building Green Functional Materials, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin, 300384, China.
| | - Lele Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Fuqi Wu
- School of Science, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin, 300384, China
| | - Jingqing Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Conghua Lu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Building Green Functional Materials, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin, 300384, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yang W, Liu H, Liu C, Shen C. Construction of skin-electrode mechanosensing structure for wearable and epidermal electronic sensor. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2022; 67:569-571. [PMID: 36546115 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2021.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wenke Yang
- Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Mold (Zhengzhou University), Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Advanced Polymer Processing Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Hu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Mold (Zhengzhou University), Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Advanced Polymer Processing Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450002, China.
| | - Chuntai Liu
- Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Mold (Zhengzhou University), Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Advanced Polymer Processing Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Changyu Shen
- Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Mold (Zhengzhou University), Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Advanced Polymer Processing Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Danner PM, Iacob M, Sasso G, Burda I, Rieger B, Nüesch F, Opris DM. Solvent-free synthesis and processing of conductive elastomer composites for "green" dielectric elastomer transducers. Macromol Rapid Commun 2022; 43:e2100823. [PMID: 35084072 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Stretchable electrodes are the more suitable for dielectric elastomer transducers (DET), the closer the mechanical characteristics of electrodes and elastomer are. Here, we present a solvent-free synthesis and processing of conductive composites with excellent electrical and mechanical properties for transducers. The composites are prepared by in-situ polymerization of cyclosiloxane monomers in the presence of graphene nanoplatelets. The low viscosity of the monomer allows for easy dispersion of the filler, eliminating the need for a solvent. After the polymerization, a cross-linking agent is added at room temperature, the composite is solvent-free screen-printed, and the cross-linking reaction is initiated by heating. The best material shows conductivity σ = 8.2 S∙cm-1 , Young's modulus Y10% = 167 kPa, and strain at break s = 305%. The electrode withstands large uniaxial strains without delamination, shows no conductivity losses during repeated operation for 500 000 cycles, and has an excellent recovery of electrical properties upon being stretched at strains of up to 180%. Reliable prototype capacitive sensors and stack actuators are manufactured by screen-printing the conductive composite on the dielectric film. Finally, stack actuators manufactured from dielectric and conductive materials that are synthesized solvent-free are demonstrated. The stack actuators even self-repair after a breakdown event. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick M Danner
- Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology Empa, Laboratory for Functional Polymers, Ueberlandstr. 129, Dübendorf, CH-8600, Switzerland.,Wacker-Chair of Macromolecular Chemistry, Catalysis Research Center, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Garching, 85748, Germany.,Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5, Zurich, CH-8093, Switzerland
| | - Mihail Iacob
- Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology Empa, Laboratory for Functional Polymers, Ueberlandstr. 129, Dübendorf, CH-8600, Switzerland
| | - Giacomo Sasso
- Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology Empa, Laboratory for Functional Polymers, Ueberlandstr. 129, Dübendorf, CH-8600, Switzerland
| | - Iurii Burda
- Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology Empa, Laboratory for Mechanical Systems Engineering, Ueberlandstr. 129, Dübendorf, CH-8600, Switzerland
| | - Bernhard Rieger
- Wacker-Chair of Macromolecular Chemistry, Catalysis Research Center, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Garching, 85748, Germany
| | - Frank Nüesch
- Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology Empa, Laboratory for Functional Polymers, Ueberlandstr. 129, Dübendorf, CH-8600, Switzerland.,Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Institut des Matériaux, Station 12, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland
| | - Dorina M Opris
- Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology Empa, Laboratory for Functional Polymers, Ueberlandstr. 129, Dübendorf, CH-8600, Switzerland.,Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5, Zurich, CH-8093, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
Electrodermal devices that capture the physiological response of skin are crucial for monitoring vital signals, but they often require convoluted layered designs with either electronic or ionic active materials relying on complicated synthesis procedures, encapsulation, and packaging techniques. Here, we report that the ionic transport in living systems can provide a simple mode of iontronic sensing and bypass the need of artificial ionic materials. A simple skin-electrode mechanosensing structure (SEMS) is constructed, exhibiting high pressure-resolution and spatial-resolution, being capable of feeling touch and detecting weak physiological signals such as fingertip pulse under different skin humidity. Our mechanical analysis reveals the critical role of instability in high-aspect-ratio microstructures on sensing. We further demonstrate pressure mapping with millimeter-spatial-resolution using a fully textile SEMS-based glove. The simplicity and reliability of SEMS hold great promise of diverse healthcare applications, such as pulse detection and recovering the sensory capability in patients with tactile dysfunction. Sensing mechanical signals is an important aspect for a range of applications of E-skins. Here, the authors report on the creation of deforming iontronic sensing structures which can use ionic transport through tissues to create a simple and sensitive E-skin for sensing touch, pulse and motion demonstrating application.
Collapse
|
12
|
Kong M, You I, Lee G, Park G, Kim J, Park D, Jeong U. Transparent Omni-Directional Stretchable Circuit Lines Made by a Junction-Free Grid of Expandable Au Lines. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2100299. [PMID: 34155682 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202100299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Although various stretchable optoelectronic devices have been reported, omni-directionally stretchable transparent circuit lines have been a great challenge. Cracks are engineered and fabricated to be highly conductive patterned metal circuit lines in which gold (Au) grids are embedded. Au is deposited selectively in the cracks to form a grid without any junction between the grid lines. Since each grid line is expandable under stretching, the circuit lines are stretchable in all the directions. This study shows that a thin coating of aluminum on the oxide surface enables precise control of the cracks (crack density, crack depth) in the oxide layer. High optical transparency and high stretchability can be achieved simultaneously by controlling the grid density in the circuit line. Light-emitting diodes are integrated directly on the circuit lines and stable operation is demonstrated under 100% stretching.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minsik Kong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam, Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Insang You
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam, Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Gilwoon Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam, Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyeongbae Park
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam, Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehyun Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam, Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Doowon Park
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam, Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Unyong Jeong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam, Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Qin J, Yin LJ, Hao YN, Zhong SL, Zhang DL, Bi K, Zhang YX, Zhao Y, Dang ZM. Flexible and Stretchable Capacitive Sensors with Different Microstructures. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2008267. [PMID: 34240474 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202008267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Recently, sensors that can imitate human skin have received extensive attention. Capacitive sensors have a simple structure, low loss, no temperature drift, and other excellent properties, and can be applied in the fields of robotics, human-machine interactions, medical care, and health monitoring. Polymer matrices are commonly employed in flexible capacitive sensors because of their high flexibility. However, their volume is almost unchanged when pressure is applied, and they are inherently viscoelastic. These shortcomings severely lead to high hysteresis and limit the improvement in sensitivity. Therefore, considerable efforts have been applied to improve the sensing performance by designing different microstructures of materials. Herein, two types of sensors based on the applied forces are discussed, including pressure sensors and strain sensors. Currently, five types of microstructures are commonly used in pressure sensors, while four are used in strain sensors. The advantages, disadvantages, and practical values of the different structures are systematically elaborated. Finally, future perspectives of microstructures for capacitive sensors are discussed, with the aim of providing a guide for designing advanced flexible and stretchable capacitive sensors via ingenious human-made microstructures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Power System, Department of Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- State Key Laboratory of Information Photonics and Optical Communications, School of Science, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, 100876, China
| | - Li-Juan Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Power System, Department of Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Ya-Nan Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Information Photonics and Optical Communications, School of Science, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, 100876, China
| | - Shao-Long Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Power System, Department of Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Dong-Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Power System, Department of Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Ke Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Information Photonics and Optical Communications, School of Science, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, 100876, China
| | - Yong-Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Power System, Department of Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- School of Electrical Engineering, Zheng Zhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Zhi-Min Dang
- State Key Laboratory of Power System, Department of Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhou L, Hu K, Zhang W, Meng G, Yin J, Jiang X. Regulating surface wrinkles using light. Natl Sci Rev 2020; 7:1247-1257. [PMID: 34692149 PMCID: PMC8288942 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwaa052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulating existing micro and nano wrinkle structures into desired configurations is urgently necessary yet remains challenging, especially modulating wrinkle direction and location on demand. In this work, we propose a novel light-controlled strategy for surface wrinkles, which can dynamically and precisely regulate all basic characteristics of wrinkles, including wavelength, amplitude, direction and location (λ, A, θ and Lc ), and arbitrarily tune wrinkle topographies in two dimensions (2D). By considering the bidirectional Poisson's effect and soft boundary conditions, a modified theoretical model depicting the relation between stress distributions and the basic characteristics was developed to reveal the mechanical mechanism of the regulation strategy. Furthermore, the resulting 2D ordered wrinkles can be used as a dynamic optical grating and a smart template to reversibly regulate the morphology of various functional materials. This study will pave the way for wrinkle regulation and guide fabrication technology for functional wrinkled surfaces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liangwei Zhou
- School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory for Metal Matrix Composite Materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Kaiming Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical Systems and Vibration, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Wenming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical Systems and Vibration, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Guang Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical Systems and Vibration, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jie Yin
- School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory for Metal Matrix Composite Materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xuesong Jiang
- School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory for Metal Matrix Composite Materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Yang J, Hong T, Deng J, Wang Y, Lei F, Zhang J, Yu B, Wu Z, Zhang X, Guo CF. Stretchable, transparent and imperceptible supercapacitors based on Au@MnO2 nanomesh electrodes. Chem Commun (Camb) 2019; 55:13737-13740. [DOI: 10.1039/c9cc06263g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A wearable supercapacitor achieved high transparency of 82.1% and an excellent areal capacitance of 0.53 mF cm−2, together with high stretchability (160% strain).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junlong Yang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering & Centers for Mechanical Engineering Research and Education at MIT and SUSTech
- Southern University of Science and Technology
- Shenzhen
- China
- School of Physics and TEDA Institute of Applied Physics
| | - Tianzeng Hong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering & Centers for Mechanical Engineering Research and Education at MIT and SUSTech
- Southern University of Science and Technology
- Shenzhen
- China
| | - Jue Deng
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Cambridge
- USA
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering & Centers for Mechanical Engineering Research and Education at MIT and SUSTech
- Southern University of Science and Technology
- Shenzhen
- China
| | - Fan Lei
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering & Centers for Mechanical Engineering Research and Education at MIT and SUSTech
- Southern University of Science and Technology
- Shenzhen
- China
| | - Jianming Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering & Centers for Mechanical Engineering Research and Education at MIT and SUSTech
- Southern University of Science and Technology
- Shenzhen
- China
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies
| | - Bo Yu
- Ningbo Fengcheng Advanced Energy Materials Research Institute
- Ningbo
- China
| | - Zhigang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Manufacturing Equipment and Technology
- Huazhong University of Science and Technology
- Wuhan
- China
| | - Xinzheng Zhang
- School of Physics and TEDA Institute of Applied Physics
- Nankai University
- Tianjin 300071
- China
| | - Chuan Fei Guo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering & Centers for Mechanical Engineering Research and Education at MIT and SUSTech
- Southern University of Science and Technology
- Shenzhen
- China
| |
Collapse
|