Bio-Inspired Ion-Conducting Foam Elastomer for Human Motion Monitoring

Abstract

Due to their excellent ionic conductivity, stretchability, and self-healing property, elastic ionic conductors have shown great promise for the development of flexible electronics. However, for the ionic pressure sensors, how to enhance their sensitivity and broaden their detectable range is still a challenge. Here, we develop a simple one-step method to prepare foamy structure ionic conductors, that is, ionic conductive foams (ICFs), for high-performance ionic sensing applications. The typical porous structures were constructed through a simple gas foaming technique. The asprepared ICFs combine the advantages of light-weight, stretchable, and self-healing properties. Interestingly, attributed to the porous structure feature, the ICF-based pressure sensor exhibited a high sensitivity (5.23 kPa −1 ), a broad detection range (from 0.1 to 100 kPa), excellent stability, and long-time durability. Moreover, adaptive monitoring of large and tiny pressure changes is also brought out to detect various human motions. This universal classification of ionic conductor is expected to be a promising candidate for flexible device applications in different conditions.

Itaconic acid-enhanced robust ionic conductive elastomers for strain/pressure sensors

“…These results show that P(IA/AA/DMA)-2 elastomers can not only be used as strain sensors to detect human movement but also have great application potential in the field of pressure sensors such as touchpads. 60…”

Macrostructure and Microenvironment Biomimetic Hydrogel: Design, Properties, and Tissue Engineering Application

“…For instance, human skin can perceive external stimuli due to its unique structures and various types of skin receptors it contains. These receptors can convert the received external stimuli into nerve impulses, which are then transmitted to the corresponding sensory center, resulting in different sensations being perceived . Biofunction-inspired hydrogels share many commonalities in terms of functions and properties with natural organisms, such as ionic transmission, stimulus response, and similar mechanical properties, all of which are essential for signal monitoring .…”

“…These receptors can convert the received external stimuli into nerve impulses, which are then transmitted to the corresponding sensory center, resulting in different sensations being perceived. 235 Biofunction-inspired hydrogels share many commonalities in terms of functions and properties with natural organisms, such as ionic transmission, stimulus response, and similar mechanical properties, all of which are essential for signal monitoring. 236 Furthermore, compared to traditional metal-based signal monitoring sensors, biofunction-inspired hydrogels exhibit superior flexibility, moisturizing properties, and biocompatibility.…”

Stretchable, Washable, and Anti-Ultraviolet i-Textile-Based Wearable Device for Motion Monitoring

“…34−36 The presence of amino or hydroxyl functional groups in the polymer facilitates the adsorption of the ionogel on diverse substrate surfaces. 37,38 Taking into account the adhesion properties of the ionogel, an ionic textile (i-textile) has been created by immersing the textile in an ionogel precursor. 39 This i-textile effectively addressed the issue of conductive material shedding while maintaining the electrical conductivity.…”

“…Ionogel is a type of conductive material consisting of a three-dimensional porous polymer structure infused with ion conductors. , It exhibits exceptional flexibility, absorption, conductivity, and stability, making it a versatile material with applications in various fields. − Ionogels can be prepared through a straightforward UV polymerization process, and their properties can be tailored by manipulating their composition, cross-linking degree, and pore structure. For instance, the introduction of specific waterproof functional groups enables the development of ionogels with superior water resistance. − The presence of amino or hydroxyl functional groups in the polymer facilitates the adsorption of the ionogel on diverse substrate surfaces. , Taking into account the adhesion properties of the ionogel, an ionic textile (i-textile) has been created by immersing the textile in an ionogel precursor . This i-textile effectively addressed the issue of conductive material shedding while maintaining the electrical conductivity.…”