One-Stop Strategy for Obtaining Controllable Sensitivity and Feasible Self-Patterning in Silver Nanowires/Elastomer Nanocomposite-Based Stretchable Ultrathin Strain Sensors

Biomacromolecules. 2023 Aug 14;24(8):3775-3785. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00442. Epub 2023 Jul 5.

Abstract

In this study, selective photo-oxidation (SPO) is proposed as a simple, fast, and scalable one-stop strategy that enables simultaneous self-patterning and sensitivity adjustment of ultrathin stretchable strain sensors. The SPO of an elastic substrate through irradiation time-controlled ultraviolet treatment in a confined region enables precise tuning of both the surface energy and the elastic modulus. SPO induces the hydrophilization of the substrate, thereby allowing the self-patterning of silver nanowires (AgNWs). In addition, it promotes the formation of nonpermanent microcracks of AgNWs/elastomer nanocomposites under the action of strain by increasing the elastic modulus. This effect improves sensor sensitivity by suppressing the charge transport pathway. Consequently, AgNWs are directly patterned with a width of 100 μm or less on the elastic substrate, and AgNWs/elastomer-based ultrathin and stretchable strain sensors with controlled sensitivity work reliably in various operating frequencies and cyclic stretching. Sensitivity-controlled strain sensors successfully detect both small and large movements of the human hand.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Elastic Modulus
  • Elastomers
  • Humans
  • Nanocomposites*
  • Nanowires*
  • Silver

Substances

  • Elastomers
  • Silver