Hydrogels enriched with carbon nanotubes for electrocardiography

Abstract

The following paper proposes methods for the formation of high-performance interface electrode materials to increase the effectiveness of signal collection from the patient’s body during electrocardiography (ECG). The electrode materials are produced via the hybridisation of commercial ECG liquid hydrogels with carbon nanotubes (CNT), often used to manufacture dry ECG electrodes. The hybrid materials were prepared by mixing hydrogels with CNT powders and wrapping them in macroscopic CNT films. In both solutions, the liquid hydrogels ensure good wetting of the epidermis, while CNTs decrease the impedance of the material and stabilise the drying process. In addition, composite materials remain soft, ensuring microconformal attachment to skin and are biocompatible. Thus such hybrid solutions combine the advantages of wet and dry ECG electrode technologies and, therefore, could enable long-term monitoring of ECG signals leading to better diagnosis and treatment of many heart disorders.