Abstract
AbstractSoft‐ionic materials with biocompatibility and 3D printability are needed to develop next‐generation devices to interface between electronic and biological signals. Herein, thermoreversible and biocompatible ionic liquid gels or iongels, which can be processed by direct ink writing are reported. The iongels are designed by taking advantage of polyvinyl alcohol/phenol interactions to gelify biocompatible cholinium carboxylate ionic liquids. The obtained iongels are stable, soft, and flexible materials (Young modulus between 14 and 70 kPa) with high ionic conductivity (1.8 × 10–2 S cm–1). Interestingly, they presented thermoreversible properties with gel–sol transitions ranging from 85 and 110 °C, which allows the iongel processing via direct ink writing 3D printing by material extrusion at temperatures over its transition. These 3D printable iongels are integrated into a variety of body sensors applications, namely pressure sensors, motion sensors and electrodes for electrophysiological recordings. The iongels are used as pressure sensors with a sensitivity of 0.1 kPa–1, ten times higher than that of others similar materials reported so far; showing its ability to detect human motion. Furthermore, the iongels showed excellent performance in electrodes for electrocardiography (ECG) recording, presenting good stability over time with electrocardiographic waves maintained their typical shape even after weeks.
Highlights
Artificial skin and wearable electronic devices are attracting remarkable attention because of the increase need of interaction with human body and longterm monitoring capabilities.[1]
Iongles with different combination of polyphenol compounds (PhCs) and ionic liquid (IL) were obtained with 10% of polymer concentration
These results demonstrated that the supramolecular iongel proposed in this work are printable, soft and elastic materials, while the 3D printing process by material extrusion is a good alternative for the fabrication of sensors and electrodes according to the design requirements of each bioelectronic device
Summary
Artificial skin and wearable electronic devices are attracting remarkable attention because of the increase need of interaction with human body and longterm monitoring capabilities.[1] In particular, wearable devices that provide vital insights into the health of individuals in real-time have been developed in the last years. These devices require functional materials that are ultra-sensitive, comfortable, breathable, washable, flexible and robust.[2] In this scenario, generation of bioelectronic based body sensors will need new soft-ionic systems for the interface between biology and electronics to improve the performance signals.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
