Abstract
AbstractThe development of stretchable electronics could enhance novel interface structures to solve the stretchability–conductivity dilemma, which remains a major challenge. Herein, we report a nano‐liquid metal (LM)‐based highly robust stretchable electrode (NHSE) with a self‐adaptable interface that mimics water‐to‐net interaction. Based on the in situ assembly of electrospun elastic nanofiber scaffolds and electrosprayed LM nanoparticles, the NHSE exhibits an extremely low sheet resistance of 52 mΩ sq−1. It is not only insensitive to a large degree of mechanical stretching (i.e., 350% electrical resistance change upon 570% elongation) but also immune to cyclic deformation (i.e., 5% electrical resistance increases after 330 000 stretching cycles with 100% elongation). These key properties are far superior to those of the state‐of‐the‐art reports. Its robustness and stability are verified under diverse circumstances, including long‐term exposure to air (420 days), cyclic submersion (30 000 times), and resilience against mechanical damages. The combination of conductivity, stretchability, and durability makes the NHSE a promising conductor/electrode solution for flexible/stretchable electronics for applications such as wearable on‐body physiological signal detection, human–machine interaction, and heating e‐skin. image
Highlights
The development of stretchable electronics will thrive on the novel interface structure to solve the stretchability-conductivity dilemma, which is still a great challenge
The liquid metal (LM) nanoparticles were bonded onto the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanofibers through electrostatic force to form a LM nanoparticles @ TPU scaffold composite (LNSC) [Fig. 1a(ii)]26
As revealed by the top-down view of scanning electron microscopic (SEM) (Fig. 1b), the LM nanoparticles were composed of nano-sized particles and micro-sized ones that might be agglomerated from smaller ones
Summary
Stretchable electrodes are categorized into three major types, i.e., structure-based stretchable electrodes, intrinsically stretchable conductors, and composite-based stretchable electrodes[10, 11]. High surface tension of LM and poor interface interaction between LM and elastomers make it challenging to maintain conductivity under large strain[17], two major methods have been developed to enhance the adhesion between LM and elastomers, i.e., alloying LM with other elements (AgNP-Ga-In or AuGa2)[18, 19], and adding binder materials to form hydrogen bonds (fructose or hydrogel)[20, 21]. These methods failed to achieve a breakthrough in the conductivity-stretchability dilemma[22, 23]. It is still a major challenge to simultaneously achieve high stretchability, electrical stability, and cyclic durability for LM-based stretchable electrodes
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