Ultra-robust, stretchable electrodes based on superamphiphobic surface for personal exercise monitoring

Abstract

The exploration of flexible electronic technology has been paid great attention recently, due to their promising applications such as health monitors and artificial electronic skins. To satisfy the requirement of practical applications, flexible and stretchable electrodes need to be further optimized in terms of mechanical robustness, sensing performance, and stability in extreme environments. Here, an ultra-robust and stretchable electrod is rationally designed and successfully fabricated via the synergistic combination of in situ growing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)/acid-modified carbon nanotubes (ACNTs) conductive networks and superamphiphobic 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane modified carbon nanotubes-silica nanoparticles (FCNTs-SiO2). The obtained electrode shows a skin-like Young's modulus (2.3 MPa), high tensile strength (21.7 MPa), and good gas permeability. Owing to the conductive paths of ACNTs-bridged AgNPs, the strain sensor delivers a wide detection range of 155 %, a high gauge factor (denoted as GF) value up to 6.6 × 104 and a fast response time of 62 ms. The re-entrant structure constructed by spraying FCNTs-SiO2 along with chemcial composition endows the sensor with superamphiphobicity, which allows the sensor to fulfill its function under extreme environments (such as −60 ℃ to 60 ℃, corrosive liquids and non-polar liquids). The strain sensor can be used for monitoring high-frequency exercise and human health, indicating its potential application.