Polyelectrolyte elastomer-based ionotronic sensors with multi-mode sensing capabilities via multi-material 3D printing

Li，Caicong1,2; Cheng，Jianxiang1,3; He，Yunfeng1,2; He，Xiangnan1,3; Xu，Ziyi1,2; Ge，Qi1,3; Yang，Canhui1,2

2023-12-01

10.1038/s41467-023-40583-5

Nature Communications   Impact Factor & Quartile

2041-1723

Stretchable ionotronics have drawn increasing attention during the past decade, enabling myriad applications in engineering and biomedicine. However, existing ionotronic sensors suffer from limited sensing capabilities due to simple device structures and poor stability due to the leakage of ingredients. In this study, we rationally design and fabricate a plethora of architected leakage-free ionotronic sensors with multi-mode sensing capabilities, using DLP-based 3D printing and a polyelectrolyte elastomer. We synthesize a photo-polymerizable ionic monomer for the polyelectrolyte elastomer, which is stretchable, transparent, ionically conductive, thermally stable, and leakage-resistant. The printed sensors possess robust interfaces and extraordinary long-term stability. The multi-material 3D printing allows high flexibility in structural design, enabling the sensing of tension, compression, shear, and torsion, with on-demand tailorable sensitivities through elaborate programming of device architectures. Furthermore, we fabricate integrated ionotronic sensors that can perceive different mechanical stimuli simultaneously without mutual signal interferences. We demonstrate a sensing kit consisting of four shear sensors and one compressive sensor, and connect it to a remote-control system that is programmed to wirelessly control the flight of a drone. Multi-material 3D printing of leakage-free polyelectrolyte elastomers paves new avenues for manufacturing stretchable ionotronics by resolving the deficiencies of stability and functionalities simultaneously.

SCI

English

NI Journal Papers

First ; Corresponding

Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province[2022A1515010601];

Science & Technology - Other Topics

Multidisciplinary Sciences

WOS:001050351300009

NATURE PORTFOLIO

2-s2.0-85167729398

Scopus

1.Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Soft Mechanics & Smart Manufacturing,Southern University of Science and Technology,Shenzhen,Guangdong,518055,China
2.Soft Mechanics Laboratory,Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering,Southern University of Science and Technology,Shenzhen,Guangdong,518055,China
3.Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering,Southern University of Science and Technology,Shenzhen,Guangdong,518055,China

Li，Caicong,Cheng，Jianxiang,He，Yunfeng,et al. Polyelectrolyte elastomer-based ionotronic sensors with multi-mode sensing capabilities via multi-material 3D printing[J]. Nature Communications,2023,14(1).

Li，Caicong.,Cheng，Jianxiang.,He，Yunfeng.,He，Xiangnan.,Xu，Ziyi.,...&Yang，Canhui.(2023).Polyelectrolyte elastomer-based ionotronic sensors with multi-mode sensing capabilities via multi-material 3D printing.Nature Communications,14(1).

Li，Caicong,et al."Polyelectrolyte elastomer-based ionotronic sensors with multi-mode sensing capabilities via multi-material 3D printing".Nature Communications 14.1(2023).