Wearable
solar radiation sensors based on ionic hydrogels are facilely
prepared to simultaneously monitor the radiation dose for the production
of vitamin D and the prevention of sunburn. Tetramethylethylenediamine
(TEMED) is neutralized with acrylic acid (AA) to obtain tetramethylethylenediamine
acrylate (TEMEDA), which is further polymerized with acrylamide by
a free radical reaction. By simply adding MB or NR during the polymerization,
the final obtained ionic hydrogels can indicate solar radiation. Due
to the extent of discoloration, the discoloration speed of MB and
NR is correlated to the radiation dose. This wearable sensor can indicate
the solar radiation dose required by the human body to synthesize
vitamin D through the discoloration of the ionized hydrogel of MB,
whereas those with NR are able to illustrate the threshold of radiation
dose that causes potential skin hurt. Therefore, the benefit and drawback
of solar radiation can be well balanced by optimizing the exposure
time to solar irradiation. In addition, polyurethane cross-linked
with a thermoresponsive coating is used as band for this wearable
sensor. Due to the hydrophilicity below its transition temperature,
the cross-linked band possesses the easy cleaning capability of stains
after the daily wear. Such type of wearable sensor can be broadly
used for monitoring the solar radiation, especially in outdoor activities.