Nanosilica-Reinforced Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Stretchable Transparent Electrodes and Multifunctional Applications

Abstract

Soft and stretchable transparent electrodes still face many challenges, requiring a balance between stretchability, conductivity, transparency, and stability. In this paper, poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) elastomer is selected, and amphoteric nonionic surfactants (Triton X-100) are introduced to improve the interfacial bonding between nanosilica (SiO₂) and the elastic matrix. At the same time, a fluorosilane-modified glass template is used to induce nanosilica enrichment on the membrane surface. Based on the dual effects of nanoenhancement and surface regulation, a PDMS transparent nanocomposite membrane with good stretchability, surface hydrophilicity, and easy in situ polymerization of polydopamine can be obtained. Silver nanowires (AgNWs) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) conductive polymers can be assembled layer by layer on the surface of the nanocomposite membrane by simple spin coating and heat treatment. The transmittance of the soft and stretchable composite membrane can reach 63% in the visible light range, and the strength and elongation at break increase to 2.30 MPa and 150%, respectively. The sheet resistance of the stretchable transparent dry electrode is as low as about 6 Ω/sq. After being placed in the air for 3 months, the resistance increment is less than 5%, showing good environmental stability. The stretchable transparent electrode prepared based on the material-structure-preparation integrated method has brilliant application potential in wearable thermal management, electrochromism, strain sensing, and electromagnetic shielding.