High stretchable and self-adhesive multifunctional hydrogel for wearable and flexible sensors

Abstract

Ionic conductive hydrogel has recently garnered significant research attention due to its potential applications in the field of wearable and flexible electronics. Nonetheless, the integration of multifunctional and synergistic advantages, including reliable electronic properties, high swelling capacity, exceptional mechanical characteristics, and self-adhesive properties, presents an ongoing challenge. In this study, we have developed an ionic conductive hydrogel through the co-polymerization of 4-Acryloylmorpholine (ACMO) and sodium acrylate using UV curing technology. The hydrogel exhibits excellent mechanical properties, high conductivity, superior swelling capacity, and remarkable self-adhesive attributes. The hydrogel serves as a highly sensitive strain sensor, enabling precise monitoring of both substantial and subtle human motions. Furthermore, the hydrogel demonstrates the capability to adhere to human skin, functioning as a human-machine interface for the detection of physiological signals, including electromyogram (EMG) signals, with low interfacial impedance. This work is anticipated to yield a new class of stretchable and conductive materials with diverse potential applications, ranging from flexible sensors and wearable bio-electronics to contributions in the field of artificial intelligence.