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Park B, Jeong C, Ok J, Kim TI. Materials and Structural Designs toward Motion Artifact-Free Bioelectronics. Chem Rev 2024; 124:6148-6197. [PMID: 38690686 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Bioelectronics encompassing electronic components and circuits for accessing human information play a vital role in real-time and continuous monitoring of biophysiological signals of electrophysiology, mechanical physiology, and electrochemical physiology. However, mechanical noise, particularly motion artifacts, poses a significant challenge in accurately detecting and analyzing target signals. While software-based "postprocessing" methods and signal filtering techniques have been widely employed, challenges such as signal distortion, major requirement of accurate models for classification, power consumption, and data delay inevitably persist. This review presents an overview of noise reduction strategies in bioelectronics, focusing on reducing motion artifacts and improving the signal-to-noise ratio through hardware-based approaches such as "preprocessing". One of the main stress-avoiding strategies is reducing elastic mechanical energies applied to bioelectronics to prevent stress-induced motion artifacts. Various approaches including strain-compliance, strain-resistance, and stress-damping techniques using unique materials and structures have been explored. Future research should optimize materials and structure designs, establish stable processes and measurement methods, and develop techniques for selectively separating and processing overlapping noises. Ultimately, these advancements will contribute to the development of more reliable and effective bioelectronics for healthcare monitoring and diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byeonghak Park
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Chanho Jeong
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jehyung Ok
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Il Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
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2
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Wu Y, Cheng J, Qi J, Hang C, Dong R, Low BC, Yu H, Jiang X. Three-dimensional liquid metal-based neuro-interfaces for human hippocampal organoids. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4047. [PMID: 38744873 PMCID: PMC11094048 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48452-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Human hippocampal organoids (hHOs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have emerged as promising models for investigating neurodegenerative disorders, such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. However, obtaining the electrical information of these free-floating organoids in a noninvasive manner remains a challenge using commercial multi-electrode arrays (MEAs). The three-dimensional (3D) MEAs developed recently acquired only a few neural signals due to limited channel numbers. Here, we report a hippocampal cyborg organoid (cyb-organoid) platform coupling a liquid metal-polymer conductor (MPC)-based mesh neuro-interface with hHOs. The mesh MPC (mMPC) integrates 128-channel multielectrode arrays distributed on a small surface area (~2*2 mm). Stretchability (up to 500%) and flexibility of the mMPC enable its attachment to hHOs. Furthermore, we show that under Wnt3a and SHH activator induction, hHOs produce HOPX+ and PAX6+ progenitors and ZBTB20+PROX1+ dentate gyrus (DG) granule neurons. The transcriptomic signatures of hHOs reveal high similarity to the developing human hippocampus. We successfully detect neural activities from hHOs via the mMPC from this cyb-organoid. Compared with traditional planar devices, our non-invasive coupling offers an adaptor for recording neural signals from 3D models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jinhao Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jie Qi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chen Hang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ruihua Dong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Boon Chuan Low
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hanry Yu
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
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3
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Zhu J, Li J, Tong Y, Hu T, Chen Z, Xiao Y, Zhang S, Yang H, Gao M, Pan T, Cheng H, Lin Y. Recent progress in multifunctional, reconfigurable, integrated liquid metal-based stretchable sensors and standalone systems. PROGRESS IN MATERIALS SCIENCE 2024; 142:101228. [PMID: 38745676 PMCID: PMC11090487 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmatsci.2023.101228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Possessing a unique combination of properties that are traditionally contradictory in other natural or synthetical materials, Ga-based liquid metals (LMs) exhibit low mechanical stiffness and flowability like a liquid, with good electrical and thermal conductivity like metal, as well as good biocompatibility and room-temperature phase transformation. These remarkable properties have paved the way for the development of novel reconfigurable or stretchable electronics and devices. Despite these outstanding properties, the easy oxidation, high surface tension, and low rheological viscosity of LMs have presented formidable challenges in high-resolution patterning. To address this challenge, various surface modifications or additives have been employed to tailor the oxidation state, viscosity, and patterning capability of LMs. One effective approach for LM patterning is breaking down LMs into microparticles known as liquid metal particles (LMPs). This facilitates LM patterning using conventional techniques such as stencil, screening, or inkjet printing. Judiciously formulated photo-curable LMP inks or the introduction of an adhesive seed layer combined with a modified lift-off process further provide the micrometer-level LM patterns. Incorporating porous and adhesive substrates in LM-based electronics allows direct interfacing with the skin for robust and long-term monitoring of physiological signals. Combined with self-healing polymers in the form of substrates or composites, LM-based electronics can provide mechanical-robust devices to heal after damage for working in harsh environments. This review provides the latest advances in LM-based composites, fabrication methods, and their novel and unique applications in stretchable or reconfigurable sensors and resulting integrated systems. It is believed that the advancements in LM-based material preparation and high-resolution techniques have opened up opportunities for customized designs of LM-based stretchable sensors, as well as multifunctional, reconfigurable, highly integrated, and even standalone systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zhu
- School of Material and Energy, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
| | - Jiaying Li
- School of Material and Energy, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Yao Tong
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Suzhou 215011, PR China
| | - Taiqi Hu
- School of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou 341000, P. R. China
| | - Ziqi Chen
- School of Physical Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, PR China
| | - Yang Xiao
- School of Material and Energy, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Senhao Zhang
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Suzhou 215011, PR China
| | - Hongbo Yang
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Suzhou 215011, PR China
| | - Min Gao
- School of Material and Energy, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Taisong Pan
- School of Material and Energy, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Huanyu Cheng
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
| | - Yuan Lin
- School of Material and Energy, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
- Medico-Engineering Cooperation on Applied Medicine Research Center, University of Electronics Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
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Qi J, Yang S, Jiang Y, Cheng J, Wang S, Rao Q, Jiang X. Liquid Metal-Polymer Conductor-Based Conformal Cyborg Devices. Chem Rev 2024; 124:2081-2137. [PMID: 38393351 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Gallium-based liquid metal (LM) exhibits exceptional properties such as high conductivity and biocompatibility, rendering it highly valuable for the development of conformal bioelectronics. When combined with polymers, liquid metal-polymer conductors (MPC) offer a versatile platform for fabricating conformal cyborg devices, enabling functions such as sensing, restoration, and augmentation within the human body. This review focuses on the synthesis, fabrication, and application of MPC-based cyborg devices. The synthesis of functional materials based on LM and the fabrication techniques for MPC-based devices are elucidated. The review provides a comprehensive overview of MPC-based cyborg devices, encompassing their applications in sensing diverse signals, therapeutic interventions, and augmentation. The objective of this review is to serve as a valuable resource that bridges the gap between the fabrication of MPC-based conformal devices and their potential biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Qi
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering. Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088, Xueyuan Rd, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511436, P. R. China
| | - Shuaijian Yang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering. Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088, Xueyuan Rd, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China
| | - Yizhou Jiang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering. Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088, Xueyuan Rd, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, P. R. China
| | - Jinhao Cheng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering. Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088, Xueyuan Rd, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China
| | - Saijie Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering. Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088, Xueyuan Rd, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China
| | - Qingyan Rao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering. Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088, Xueyuan Rd, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering. Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088, Xueyuan Rd, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China
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5
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Lu G, Ni E, Jiang Y, Wu W, Li H. Room-Temperature Liquid Metals for Flexible Electronic Devices. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2304147. [PMID: 37875665 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202304147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Room-temperature gallium-based liquid metals (RT-GaLMs) have garnered significant interest recently owing to their extraordinary combination of fluidity, conductivity, stretchability, self-healing performance, and biocompatibility. They are ideal materials for the manufacture of flexible electronics. By changing the composition and oxidation of RT-GaLMs, physicochemical characteristics of the liquid metal can be adjusted, especially the regulation of rheological, wetting, and adhesion properties. This review highlights the advancements in the liquid metals used in flexible electronics. Meanwhile related characteristics of RT-GaLMs and underlying principles governing their processing and applications for flexible electronics are elucidated. Finally, the diverse applications of RT-GaLMs in self-healing circuits, flexible sensors, energy harvesting devices, and epidermal electronics, are explored. Additionally, the challenges hindering the progress of RT-GaLMs are discussed, while proposing future research directions and potential applications in this emerging field. By presenting a concise and critical analysis, this paper contributes to the advancement of RT-GaLMs as an advanced material applicable for the new generation of flexible electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guixuan Lu
- Key Laboratory for Liquid-Solid Structural Evolution and Processing of Materials (Ministry of Education), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250061, China
| | - Erli Ni
- The Institute for Advanced Studies of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Yanyan Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Liquid-Solid Structural Evolution and Processing of Materials (Ministry of Education), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250061, China
| | - Weikang Wu
- Key Laboratory for Liquid-Solid Structural Evolution and Processing of Materials (Ministry of Education), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250061, China
| | - Hui Li
- Key Laboratory for Liquid-Solid Structural Evolution and Processing of Materials (Ministry of Education), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250061, China
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6
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Yang S, Cheng J, Shang J, Hang C, Qi J, Zhong L, Rao Q, He L, Liu C, Ding L, Zhang M, Chakrabarty S, Jiang X. Stretchable surface electromyography electrode array patch for tendon location and muscle injury prevention. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6494. [PMID: 37838683 PMCID: PMC10576757 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42149-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Surface electromyography (sEMG) can provide multiplexed information about muscle performance. If current sEMG electrodes are stretchable, arrayed, and able to be used multiple times, they would offer adequate high-quality data for continuous monitoring. The lack of these properties delays the widespread use of sEMG in clinics and in everyday life. Here, we address these constraints by design of an adhesive dry electrode using tannic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, and PEDOT:PSS (TPP). The TPP electrode offers superior stretchability (~200%) and adhesiveness (0.58 N/cm) compared to current electrodes, ensuring stable and long-term contact with the skin for recording (>20 dB; >5 days). In addition, we developed a metal-polymer electrode array patch (MEAP) comprising liquid metal (LM) circuits and TPP electrodes. The MEAP demonstrated better conformability than commercial arrays, resulting in higher signal-to-noise ratio and more stable recordings during muscle movements. Manufactured using scalable screen-printing, these MEAPs feature a completely stretchable material and array architecture, enabling real-time monitoring of muscle stress, fatigue, and tendon displacement. Their potential to reduce muscle and tendon injuries and enhance performance in daily exercise and professional sports holds great promise.
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Grants
- We thank the National Key R&D Program of China (2021YFF1200800, 2021YFF1200100, 2022YFB3804700, and 2018YFA0902600), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (22234004), Shenzhen Science and Technology Program (JCYJ20200109141231365 and KQTD 20190929172743294), Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering (ZDSYS20200811144003009), Guangdong Innovative and Entrepreneurial Research Team Program (2019ZT08Y191), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials (2022B1212010003), Tencent Foundation through the XPLORER PRIZE, Guangdong Major Talent Introduction Project (2019CX01Y196). We also acknowledge the assistance of SUSTech Core Research Facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaijian Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Jinhao Cheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Jin Shang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Chen Hang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Jie Qi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Leni Zhong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Qingyan Rao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Lei He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Chenqi Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Li Ding
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Mingming Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Samit Chakrabarty
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China.
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7
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Shang J, Tang L, Guo K, Yang S, Cheng J, Dou J, Yang R, Zhang M, Jiang X. Electronic exoneuron based on liquid metal for the quantitative sensing of the augmented somatosensory system. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2023; 9:112. [PMID: 37719416 PMCID: PMC10504372 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-023-00535-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
The increasing demands in augmented somatosensory have promoted quantitative sensing to be an emerging need for athletic training/performance evaluation and physical rehabilitation. Neurons for the somatosensory system in the human body can capture the information of movements in time but only qualitatively. This work presents an electronic Exo-neuron (EEN) that can spread throughout the limbs for realizing augmented somatosensory by recording both muscular activity and joint motion quantitatively without site constraints or drift instability, even in strenuous activities. Simply based on low-cost liquid metal and clinically used adhesive elastomer, the EEN could be easily fabricated in large areas for limbs. It is thin (~120 μm), soft, stretchable (>500%), and conformal and further shows wide applications in sports, rehabilitation, health care, and entertainment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Shang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088, Xueyuan Rd., Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 P. R. China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 P. R. China
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 P. R. China
| | - Lixue Tang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088, Xueyuan Rd., Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 P. R. China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, No.10 Xitoutiao, You An Men Wai, Beijing, 100069 China
| | - Kaiqi Guo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088, Xueyuan Rd., Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 P. R. China
| | - Shuaijian Yang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088, Xueyuan Rd., Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 P. R. China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT UK
| | - Jinhao Cheng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088, Xueyuan Rd., Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 P. R. China
| | - Jiabin Dou
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088, Xueyuan Rd., Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 P. R. China
| | - Rong Yang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 P. R. China
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 P. R. China
| | - Mingming Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088, Xueyuan Rd., Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 P. R. China
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088, Xueyuan Rd., Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055 P. R. China
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8
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Ping B, Zhang Z, Liu Q, Li M, Yang Q, Guo R. Liquid Metal Fibers with a Knitted Structure for Wearable Electronics. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:715. [PMID: 37504113 PMCID: PMC10377294 DOI: 10.3390/bios13070715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Flexible conductive fibers have shown tremendous potential in diverse fields, including health monitoring, intelligent robotics, and human-machine interaction. Nevertheless, most conventional flexible conductive materials face challenges in meeting the high conductivity and stretchability requirements. In this study, we introduce a knitted structure of liquid metal conductive fibers. The knitted structure of liquid metal fiber significantly reduces the resistance variation under tension and exhibits favorable durability, as evidenced by the results of cyclic tensile testing, which indicate that their resistance only undergoes a slight increase (<3%) after 1300 cycles. Furthermore, we demonstrate the integration of these liquid metal fibers with various rigid electronic components, thereby facilitating the production of pliable LED arrays and intelligent garments for electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring. The LED array underwent a 30 min machine wash, during which it consistently retained its normal functionality. These findings evince the devices' robust stable circuit functionality and water resistance that remain unaffected by daily human activities. The liquid metal knitted fibers offer great promise for advancing the field of flexible conductive fibers. Their exceptional electrical and mechanical properties, combined with compatibility with existing electronic components, open new possibilities for applications in the physiological signal detection of carriers, human-machine interaction, and large-area electronic skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingyi Ping
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Zihang Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Qiushi Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Minghao Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Qingxiu Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Rui Guo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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9
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Wang S, Liu C, Liu J, Li S, Xu F, Xu D, Zhang W, Wu Y, Shang J, Liu Y, Li RW. Highly Stable Liquid Metal Conductors with Superior Electrical Stability and Tough Interface Bonding for Stretchable Electronics. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:22291-22300. [PMID: 37127569 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c03182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Ga-based liquid metal stretchable conductors have recently gained interest in flexible electronic devices such as electrodes, antennas, and sensors. It is essential to maintain electrical stability under strain or cyclic strain for reliable data acquisition and exhibit tough interfacial bonding between liquid metal and polymers to prevent performance loss and device failure. Herein, a highly stable conductor with superior electrical stability and tough interface bonding is introduced by casting curable polymers and a peeling-activated process from liquid metal particles. Based on the compensating effect of liquid metal, similar to the recharge relationship of water between rivers and lakes in nature, the conductor is not only strain-insensitive (ΔR/R0 < 10% for 100% strain) but also immune to cyclic deformation (ΔR/R0 < 7% with 5000 stretching cycles at 50% strain). Embedding liquid metal within the elastomer to create stretchable conductors effectively improves interfacial adhesion properties (the fluid-solid interfacial adhesion force increases from 0.48 to 0.62 mN/mm2). The constructed tough interface could even withstand sonication treatment. Finally, by combining strategies in material design and fabrication, an integrated array composed of vertical interconnect access and robust electrodes is fabricated, which simultaneously holds tough interfacial bonding with the upper and lower layers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengding Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Chao Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinyun Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Shiying Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Feng Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Dan Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Wuxu Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Yuanzhao Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jie Shang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Yiwei Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Run-Wei Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
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10
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Ma J, Krisnadi F, Vong MH, Kong M, Awartani OM, Dickey MD. Shaping a Soft Future: Patterning Liquid Metals. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2205196. [PMID: 36044678 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202205196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
This review highlights the unique techniques for patterning liquid metals containing gallium (e.g., eutectic gallium indium, EGaIn). These techniques are enabled by two unique attributes of these liquids relative to solid metals: 1) The fluidity of the metal allows it to be injected, sprayed, and generally dispensed. 2) The solid native oxide shell allows the metal to adhere to surfaces and be shaped in ways that would normally be prohibited due to surface tension. The ability to shape liquid metals into non-spherical structures such as wires, antennas, and electrodes can enable fluidic metallic conductors for stretchable electronics, soft robotics, e-skins, and wearables. The key properties of these metals with a focus on methods to pattern liquid metals into soft or stretchable devices are summari.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwoo Ma
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Febby Krisnadi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Man Hou Vong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Minsik Kong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Omar M Awartani
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Michael D Dickey
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
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11
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Ping B, Zhou G, Zhang Z, Guo R. Liquid metal enabled conformal electronics. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1118812. [PMID: 36815876 PMCID: PMC9935617 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1118812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of three-dimensional common electronics that can be directly pasted on arbitrary surfaces in the fields of human health monitoring, intelligent robots and wearable electronic devices has aroused people's interest, especially in achieving stable adhesion of electronic devices on biological dynamic three-dimensional interfaces and high-quality signal acquisition. In recent years, liquid metal (LM) materials have been widely used in the manufacture of flexible sensors and wearable electronic devices because of their excellent tensile properties and electrical conductivity at room temperature. In addition, LM has good biocompatibility and can be used in a variety of biomedical applications. Here, the recent development of LM flexible electronic printing methods for the fabrication of three-dimensional conformal electronic devices on the surface of human tissue is discussed. These printing methods attach LM to the deformable substrate in the form of bulk or micro-nano particles, so that electronic devices can adapt to the deformation of human tissue and other three-dimensional surfaces, and maintain stable electrical properties. Representative examples of applications such as self-healing devices, degradable devices, flexible hybrid electronic devices, variable stiffness devices and multi-layer large area circuits are reviewed. The current challenges and prospects for further development are also discussed.
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12
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Chen S, Zhao R, Sun X, Wang H, Li L, Liu J. Toxicity and Biocompatibility of Liquid Metals. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2201924. [PMID: 36314401 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202201924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Recently, room-temperature liquid metals have attracted increasing attention from researchers owing to their excellent material properties. Systematic interpretation of the potential toxicity issues involved is essential for a wide range of applications, especially in the biomedical and healthcare fields. However, even with the exponential growth of related studies, investigation of the toxicological impact and possible hazards of liquid metals to organisms is still in its infancy. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the current frontier of knowledge on liquid metal toxicology and biocompatibility in different environments. Based on recent studies, this review focuses on Ga and Bi-based in different states. It is necessary to evaluate their toxicity considering the rapid increase in research and utilization of such liquid metal composites. Finally, existing challenges are discussed and suggestions are provided for further investigation of liquid metal toxicology to clarify the toxicological mechanisms and strategies are provided to avoid adverse effects. In addition to resolving the doubts of public concern about the toxicity of liquid metals, this review is expected to promote the healthy and sustainable development of liquid metal-based materials and their use in diverse areas, especially those related to health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Ruiqi Zhao
- Beijing Key Lab of Cryo-Biomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Xuyang Sun
- School of Medicine Engineering, Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hongzhang Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Lei Li
- Beijing Key Lab of Cryo-Biomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.,Beijing Key Lab of Cryo-Biomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
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13
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Yang B, Yang Z, Tang L. Recent progress in fiber-based soft electronics enabled by liquid metal. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1178995. [PMID: 37187888 PMCID: PMC10175636 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1178995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Soft electronics can seamlessly integrate with the human skin which will greatly improve the quality of life in the fields of healthcare monitoring, disease treatment, virtual reality, and human-machine interfaces. Currently, the stretchability of most soft electronics is achieved by incorporating stretchable conductors with elastic substrates. Among stretchable conductors, liquid metals stand out for their metal-grade conductivity, liquid-grade deformability, and relatively low cost. However, the elastic substrates usually composed of silicone rubber, polyurethane, and hydrogels have poor air permeability, and long-term exposure can cause skin redness and irritation. The substrates composed of fibers usually have excellent air permeability due to their high porosity, making them ideal substrates for soft electronics in long-term applications. Fibers can be woven directly into various shapes, or formed into various shapes on the mold by spinning techniques such as electrospinning. Here, we provide an overview of fiber-based soft electronics enabled by liquid metals. An introduction to the spinning technology is provided. Typical applications and patterning strategies of liquid metal are presented. We review the latest progress in the design and fabrication of representative liquid metal fibers and their application in soft electronics such as conductors, sensors, and energy harvesting. Finally, we discuss the challenges of fiber-based soft electronics and provide an outlook on future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application, School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zihan Yang
- Fashion Accessory Art and Engineering College, Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Zihan Yang, ; Lixue Tang,
| | - Lixue Tang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application, School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Zihan Yang, ; Lixue Tang,
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14
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Won P, Valentine CS, Zadan M, Pan C, Vinciguerra M, Patel DK, Ko SH, Walker LM, Majidi C. 3D Printing of Liquid Metal Embedded Elastomers for Soft Thermal and Electrical Materials. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:55028-55038. [PMID: 36458663 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c14815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Liquid metal embedded elastomers (LMEEs) are composed of a soft polymer matrix embedded with droplets of metal alloys that are liquid at room temperature. These soft matter composites exhibit exceptional combinations of elastic, electrical, and thermal properties that make them uniquely suited for applications in flexible electronics, soft robotics, and thermal management. However, the fabrication of LMEE structures has primarily relied on rudimentary techniques that limit patterning to simple planar geometries. Here, we introduce an approach for direct ink write (DIW) printing of a printable LMEE ink to create three-dimensional shapes with various designs. We use eutectic gallium-indium (EGaIn) as the liquid metal, which reacts with oxygen to form an electrically insulating oxide skin that acts as a surfactant and stabilizes the droplets for 3D printing. To rupture the oxide skin and achieve electrical conductivity, we encase the LMEE in a viscoelastic polymer and apply acoustic shock. For printed composites with a 80% LM volume fraction, this activation method allows for a volumetric electrical conductivity of 5 × 104 S cm-1 (80% LM volume)─significantly higher than what had been previously reported with mechanically sintered EGaIn-silicone composites. Moreover, we demonstrate the ability to print 3D LMEE interfaces that provide enhanced charge transfer for a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and improved thermal conductivity within a thermoelectric device (TED). The 3D printed LMEE can be integrated with a highly soft TED that is wearable and capable of providing cooling/heating to the skin through electrical stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Won
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania15213, United States
| | - Connor S Valentine
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania15213, United States
| | - Mason Zadan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania15213, United States
| | - Chengfeng Pan
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR999077, China
| | - Michael Vinciguerra
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania15213, United States
| | - Dinesh K Patel
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania15213, United States
| | - Seung Hwan Ko
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Lynn M Walker
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania15213, United States
| | - Carmel Majidi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania15213, United States
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15
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Zhong L, Tang L, Yang S, Zhao Z, Zheng Z, Jiang X. Stretchable Liquid Metal-Based Metal-Polymer Conductors for Fully Screen-Printed Biofuel Cells. Anal Chem 2022; 94:16738-16745. [PMID: 36440702 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c03302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We reported a straightforward and low-cost method to fabricate stretchable biofuel cells by using liquid metal-based metal-polymer conductors. The liquid-metal-based metal-polymer conductors had a conductivity of 2.7 × 105 S/m and a stretchability larger than 200%, giving the biofuel cell good conformability to the skin. The glucose biofuel cells (BFCs) yielded a maximum power density as 14.11 μW/cm2 at 0.31 V with 0.2 mM glucose, while the lactate BFCs reached 31.00 μW/cm2 at 0.51 V with 15 mM lactate. The results of 24 h short circuit current density showed that, with enough biofuel, this patch could be used over the course of an entire day for wearable sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leni Zhong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Rd, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong518055, China.,School of Fashion and Textiles, Research Institute for Smart Energy, and Research Institute of Intelligent Wearable Systems, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong kong, Hong Kong, S. A. R.99907, China
| | - Lixue Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Rd, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong518055, China
| | - Shuaijian Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Rd, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong518055, China
| | - Zhenting Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Rd, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong518055, China
| | - Zijian Zheng
- School of Fashion and Textiles, Research Institute for Smart Energy, and Research Institute of Intelligent Wearable Systems, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong kong, Hong Kong, S. A. R.99907, China
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Rd, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong518055, China
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16
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Centurion F, Hassan MM, Tang J, Allioux FM, Chakraborty S, Chen R, Mao G, Kumar N, Kalantar-Zadeh K, Rahim MA. Assembly of surface-independent polyphenol/liquid gallium composite nanocoatings. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:14760-14769. [PMID: 36178260 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr02559k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The development of functional nanocoatings using natural compounds is a hallmark of sustainable strategies in the field of green synthesis. Herein, we report a surface-independent nanocoating strategy using natural polyphenols and gallium-based room temperature liquid metal nanoparticles. The nanocoating matrix is composed of tannic acid, crosslinked with group (IV) transition metal ions. Liquid gallium nanoparticles are incorporated into the coatings as a gallium ion releasing depot. The coating deposition is rapid and can be applied to a range of substrates including glass, plastics, paper, and metal surfaces, owing to the versatile adhesive nature of the catechol/gallol functional groups of tannic acid. The coating thickness can be controlled from 100 to 700 nm and the content of liquid gallium nanoparticles can be modulated. This enables the tunable release behaviour of gallium ions into the surrounding from the composite coatings. The coatings are highly biocompatible and display antioxidant and antibacterial properties that can be useful for diverse applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Centurion
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Md Musfizur Hassan
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Jianbo Tang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Francois-Marie Allioux
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Sudip Chakraborty
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Renxun Chen
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Guangzhao Mao
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Naresh Kumar
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kourosh Kalantar-Zadeh
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Md Arifur Rahim
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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17
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Ren N, Hang C, Liu X, Jiang X. Printable Metal-Polymer Conductors for Local Drug Delivery. NANO LETTERS 2022; 22:7554-7562. [PMID: 36122317 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c02548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Safe and effective local drug delivery is challenging due to complex physiological barriers that limit the entry of drugs. Here, we report the metal-polymer conductors (MPCs) for local drug delivery via iontophoresis or electroporation. The MPCs are stretchable, conductive, and biocompatible. The flexible MPCs of different geometries are used both on a dry, flat surface (skin) and a moist, curved surface (cornea) with conformability. Conformal integration with the tissues enables good mechanical/electrical properties and realizes application of electrical voltage to the target areas for local drug delivery. By iontophoresis and electroporation, the MPCs achieve efficient delivery of doxorubicin and siRNA, leading to tumor regression and inhibition of corneal neovascularization, respectively. Our work presents an efficient strategy to harness the power of the MPCs to broaden the scope of local drug delivery to dry and wet organs with different surface topography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Ren
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088, Xueyuan Road, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P.R. China
| | - Chen Hang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088, Xueyuan Road, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088, Xueyuan Road, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P.R. China
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088, Xueyuan Road, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P.R. China
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18
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Gan T, Xiao Q, Handschuh-Wang S, Huang X, Wang H, Deng X, Hu S, Wang B, Wu Q, Zhou X. Conformally Adhesive, Large-Area, Solidlike, yet Transient Liquid Metal Thin Films and Patterns via Gelatin-Regulated Droplet Deposition and Sintering. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:42744-42756. [PMID: 36068651 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c12880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Adhesion and spreading of liquid metals (LMs) on substrates are essential steps for the generation of flexible electronics and thermal management devices. However, the controlled deposition is limited by the high surface tension and peculiar wetting and adhesion behavior of LMs. Herein, we introduce gelatin-regulated LM droplet deposition and sintering (GLMDDS), for the upscalable production of conformally adhesive, solidlike, yet transient LM thin films and patterns on diverse substrates. This method involves four steps: homogeneous deposition of LM microdroplets, gelation of the LM-gelatin solution, toughening of the gelatin hydrogel by solvent displacement, and peeling-induced sintering of LM microdroplets. The LM thin film exhibits a three-layer structure, comprising an LM microdroplet-embedded tough organohydrogel adhesion layer, a continuous LM layer, and an oxide skin. The composite exhibits high stretchability and mechanical robustness, conformal adhesion to various substrates, high conductivity (4.35 × 105 S·m-1), and transience (86% LM recycled). Large-scale deposition (i.e., 5.6 dm2) and the potential for patterns on diverse substrates demonstrate its upscalability and broad suitability. Finally, the LM thin films and patterns are applied for flexible and wearable devices, i.e., pressure sensors, heaters, human motion tracking devices, and thermal management devices, illustrating the broad applicability of this strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiansheng Gan
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China
| | - Qi Xiao
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China
| | - Stephan Handschuh-Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoqin Huang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China
| | - Haifei Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China
| | - Xiaobo Deng
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China
| | - Shuangyan Hu
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China
| | - Ben Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China
| | - Qixing Wu
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China
| | - Xuechang Zhou
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China
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19
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Akyildiz K, Kim JH, So JH, Koo HJ. Recent progress on micro- and nanoparticles of gallium-based liquid metal: From preparation to applications. J IND ENG CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2022.09.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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20
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Tang L, Yang S, Zhang K, Jiang X. Skin Electronics from Biocompatible In Situ Welding Enabled By Intrinsically Sticky Conductors. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2202043. [PMID: 35754311 PMCID: PMC9376824 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202202043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Welding usually involves high temperatures, toxic solvents, or conditions not compatible with human bodies, which severely limit the fusion of electronics and human tissues. To achieve direct welding of electronics on human skin, the intrinsically sticky conductors that can simultaneously achieve metal-grade electrical conductivity (≈41 7000 S m-1 ), hydrogel-grade stretchability (>900% strain), and self-adhesiveness (1.8 N cm-1 ) are reported. The sticky conductors composed of gallium indium alloy and acrylate polymer adhesives have a surface-enriched structure, which can form instant mechanical and electrical connections with different surfaces through gentle pressure without involving conditions that may damage human tissues. Based on the sticky conductors, the in situ welding of electronics on the skin is realized. To demonstrate the feasibility of in situ welding, electronic tattoos are achieved for movement monitoring. Intrinsically sticky electrodes that can resist drying and simultaneously deform with the skin for electrophysiological measurement are also developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixue Tang
- School of Biomedical EngineeringBeijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical ApplicationCapital Medical UniversityNo.10 Xitoutiao, You An Men WaiBeijing100069China
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringShenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced BiomaterialsSouthern University of Science and TechnologyNo 1088, Xueyuan Rd., Xili, Nanshan DistrictShenzhenGuangdong518055China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data‐Based Precision MedicineCapital Medical UniversityBeijing100069China
| | - Shuaijian Yang
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringShenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced BiomaterialsSouthern University of Science and TechnologyNo 1088, Xueyuan Rd., Xili, Nanshan DistrictShenzhenGuangdong518055China
| | - Kuan Zhang
- School of Biomedical EngineeringBeijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical ApplicationCapital Medical UniversityNo.10 Xitoutiao, You An Men WaiBeijing100069China
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringShenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced BiomaterialsSouthern University of Science and TechnologyNo 1088, Xueyuan Rd., Xili, Nanshan DistrictShenzhenGuangdong518055China
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21
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Ding L, Hang C, Yang S, Qi J, Dong R, Zhang Y, Sun H, Jiang X. In Situ Deposition of Skin-Adhesive Liquid Metal Particles with Robust Wear Resistance for Epidermal Electronics. NANO LETTERS 2022; 22:4482-4490. [PMID: 35580197 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c01270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Comfort and mechanical stability are vital for epidermal electronics in daily use. In situ deposition of circuitry without the protection of substrates or encapsulation can produce imperceptible, conformal, and permeable epidermal electronics. However, they are easily destroyed by daily wear because the binding force between deposited materials and skin is usually weak. Here, we in situ deposited skin-adhesive liquid metal particles (ALMP) to fabricate epidermal electronics with robust wear resistance. It represents the most wear-resistant in situ deposited epidermal electronic materials. It can withstand ∼1600 cm, 175 g loaded paper tape wearing by a standard abrasion wear tester. Stretchability, conformality, permeability, and thinness of the ALMP coating provide an imperceptible and comfortable wearing experience. Without degradation of electrical property caused by solvent evaporation, the dry ALMP coating possesses natural advantages over gel electrodes. In situ deposited ALMP is an ideal material for fabricating comfortable epidermal electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ding
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 167 Beilishi Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100037, P. R. China
| | - Chen Hang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China
| | - Shuaijian Yang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Jie Qi
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China
| | - Ruihua Dong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 167 Beilishi Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100037, P. R. China
| | - Hansong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 167 Beilishi Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100037, P. R. China
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China
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22
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Wu P, Fu J, Xu Y, He Y. Liquid Metal Microgels for Three-Dimensional Printing of Smart Electronic Clothes. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:13458-13467. [PMID: 35258916 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c22975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Gallium-based liquid metals (LMs), with the combination of liquid fluidity and metallic conductivity, are considered ideal conductive components for flexible electronics. However, huge surface tension and poor wettability seriously hinder the patterning of LMs and their wider applications. Herein, a recyclable liquid-metal-microgel (LMM) ink composed of LM droplets encapsulated into alginate microgel shells is proposed. During the mechanical stirring process, the released Ga3+ can cross-link with sodium alginate to form microgels covering the surface of LM droplets, which exhibits shear-thinning performance due to the formation and rupture of hydrogen bonds under different stress conditions, making the LMM ink possess excellent printability and superior adhesion to various substrates. Although patterns printed with the LMM ink are not initially conductive, they can be activated to recover conductivity by microstrain (<5%), pressing, and freezing. Additionally, the activated LMM circuit exhibits superior Joule heating behaviors and electrical performance in further investigation, including excellent conductivity, significant resistance response to strain with small hysteresis, great durability to nonplanar forces, and so forth. Furthermore, smart electronic clothes were fabricated and investigated by directly printing functional circuits on commercial clothes with the LMM ink, which integrate multiple functions, including tactile sensing, motion monitoring, human-computer interaction, and thermal management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
- Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Process and Equipment of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Jianzhong Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
- Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Process and Equipment of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Yuetong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
- Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Process and Equipment of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Yong He
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058 China
- Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Mold, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
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23
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Mou L, Xia Y, Jiang X. Liquid metal-polymer conductor-based wireless, battery-free epidermal patch. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 197:113765. [PMID: 34773752 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Wearable epidermal patch can seamlessly monitor biological signals in real-time. Here, we report a liquid metal-polymer conductor-based wireless epidermal patch. The epidermal patch is made of a new conductive material called liquid metal-polymer conductors (LMPC). LMPC is made by casting and peeling off polymers from patterned liquid metal particles. Our printable conductors present good stretchability, repeatability, and biocompatibility. We fabricate LMPC-based antenna and wire, which achieves wireless signal communication and power supply. To demonstrate the capability of our LMPC-based antenna and wire, we fabricate an epidermal patch to analyze metabolites, electrolytes, and urea in sweat. When a portable device is close to the epidermal sensor, the device can power and read the sensor through LMPC-based antenna. The epidermal patch exhibited good analytical performance for sweat analysis with a low limit of detection, fast response time, and multiplex detection capabilities. This epidermal patch opens the possibility for a broad range of non-invasive diagnostic tools that can be used for health monitoring in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Mou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, No. 63 Duobao Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510150, PR China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No 1088, Xueyuan Rd., Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, PR China
| | - Yong Xia
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, No. 63 Duobao Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510150, PR China.
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, No. 63 Duobao Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510150, PR China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No 1088, Xueyuan Rd., Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, PR China.
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24
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Allioux FM, Ghasemian MB, Xie W, O'Mullane AP, Daeneke T, Dickey MD, Kalantar-Zadeh K. Applications of liquid metals in nanotechnology. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2022; 7:141-167. [PMID: 34982812 DOI: 10.1039/d1nh00594d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Post-transition liquid metals (LMs) offer new opportunities for accessing exciting dynamics for nanomaterials. As entities with free electrons and ions as well as fluidity, LM-based nanomaterials are fundamentally different from their solid counterparts. The low melting points of most post-transition metals (less than 330 °C) allow for the formation of nanodroplets from bulk metal melts under mild mechanical and chemical conditions. At the nanoscale, these liquid state nanodroplets simultaneously offer high electrical and thermal conductivities, tunable reactivities and useful physicochemical properties. They also offer specific alloying and dealloying conditions for the formation of multi-elemental liquid based nanoalloys or the synthesis of engineered solid nanomaterials. To date, while only a few nanosized LM materials have been investigated, extraordinary properties have been observed for such systems. Multi-elemental nanoalloys have shown controllable homogeneous or heterogeneous core and surface compositions with interfacial ordering at the nanoscale. The interactions and synergies of nanosized LMs with polymeric, inorganic and bio-materials have also resulted in new compounds. This review highlights recent progress and future directions for the synthesis and applications of post-transition LMs and their alloys. The review presents the unique properties of these LM nanodroplets for developing functional materials for electronics, sensors, catalysts, energy systems, and nanomedicine and biomedical applications, as well as other functional systems engineered at the nanoscale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francois-Marie Allioux
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Mohammad B Ghasemian
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Wanjie Xie
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Anthony P O'Mullane
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - Torben Daeneke
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia
| | - Michael D Dickey
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, 911 Partners Way, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Kourosh Kalantar-Zadeh
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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25
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Guymon GG, Malakooti MH. Multifunctional liquid metal polymer composites. JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pol.20210867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory G. Guymon
- Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
- Institute for Nano‐Engineered Systems University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
| | - Mohammad H. Malakooti
- Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
- Institute for Nano‐Engineered Systems University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
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26
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Xu Y, Lin Z, Rajavel K, Zhao T, Zhu P, Hu Y, Sun R, Wong CP. Tailorable, Lightweight and Superelastic Liquid Metal Monoliths for Multifunctional Electromagnetic Interference Shielding. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2021; 14:29. [PMID: 34902083 PMCID: PMC8669089 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-021-00766-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED A confined thermal expansion strategy to fabricate liquid metal (LM)-based monoliths with continuous LM network at ultra-low content. The results show a strong integration advantage of LM-based monoliths in density, mechanical strength, electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness, and near field shielding effectiveness, as well as multi-functions such as magnetic actuation. ABSTRACT Liquid metal (LM) has become an emerging material paradigm in the electromagnetic interference shielding field owing to its excellent electrical conductivity. However, the processing of lightweight bulk LM composites with finite package without leakage is still a great challenge, due to high surface tension and pump-out issues of LM. Here, a novel confined thermal expansion strategy based on expandable microsphere (EM) is proposed to develop a new class of LM-based monoliths with 3D continuous conductive network. The EM/LM monolith (EM/LMm) presents outstanding performance of lightweight like metallic aerogel (0.104 g cm−1), high strength (3.43 MPa), super elasticity (90% strain), as well as excellent tailor ability and recyclability, rely on its unique gas-filled closed-cellular structure and refined LM network. Moreover, the assembled highly conducting EM/LMm exhibits a recorded shielding effectiveness (98.7 dB) over a broad frequency range of 8.2–40 GHz among reported LM-based composites at an ultra-low content of LM, and demonstrates excellent electromagnetic sealing capacity in practical electronics. The ternary EM/LM/Ni monoliths fabricated by the same approach could be promising universal design principles for multifunctional LM composites, and applicable in magnetic responsive actuator. [Image: see text] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40820-021-00766-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadong Xu
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Electronic Materials, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang Lin
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Electronic Materials, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Krishnamoorthy Rajavel
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Electronic Materials, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Zhao
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Electronic Materials, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengli Zhu
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Electronic Materials, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Yougen Hu
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Electronic Materials, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China.
| | - Rong Sun
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Electronic Materials, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ching-Ping Wong
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
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27
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Xiao Y, Wang M, Li Y, Sun Z, Liu Z, He L, Liu R. High-Adhesive Flexible Electrodes and Their Manufacture: A Review. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:1505. [PMID: 34945355 PMCID: PMC8704330 DOI: 10.3390/mi12121505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
All human activity is associated with the generation of electrical signals. These signals are collectively referred to as electrical physiology (EP) signals (e.g., electrocardiogram, electroencephalogram, electromyography, electrooculography, etc.), which can be recorded by electrodes. EP electrodes are not only widely used in the study of primary diseases and clinical practice, but also have potential applications in wearable electronics, human-computer interface, and intelligent robots. Various technologies are required to achieve such goals. Among these technologies, adhesion and stretchable electrode technology is a key component for rapid development of high-performance sensors. In last decade, remarkable efforts have been made in the development of flexible and high-adhesive EP recording systems and preparation technologies. Regarding these advancements, this review outlines the design strategies and related materials for flexible and adhesive EP electrodes, and briefly summarizes their related manufacturing techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Xiao
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Printed Electronics, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China; (Y.X.); (M.W.); (Y.L.); (Z.S.)
| | - Mengzhu Wang
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Printed Electronics, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China; (Y.X.); (M.W.); (Y.L.); (Z.S.)
| | - Ye Li
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Printed Electronics, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China; (Y.X.); (M.W.); (Y.L.); (Z.S.)
| | - Zhicheng Sun
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Printed Electronics, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China; (Y.X.); (M.W.); (Y.L.); (Z.S.)
| | - Zilong Liu
- Division of Optics, National Institute of Metrology, Beijing 100029, China;
| | - Liang He
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China;
| | - Ruping Liu
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Printed Electronics, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China; (Y.X.); (M.W.); (Y.L.); (Z.S.)
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28
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Han Q, Wang A, Song W, Zhang M, Wang S, Ren P, Hao L, Yin J, Bai S. Fabrication of Conductive, Adhesive, and Stretchable Agarose-Based Hydrogels for a Wearable Biosensor. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2021; 4:6148-6156. [PMID: 35006882 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.1c00501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Herein, a strategy is proposed to prepare a conductive, self-adhesive, and stretchable agarose gel with the merits of distinct heat resistance, freeze resistance, and long-term moisture retention. To endow the gels with conductivity, monodisperse carbon nanotubes modified by polydopamine are introduced into the gel networks, which promote both conductivity and mechanical strength of the gels. Meanwhile, further addition of glycerol enhances excellent stretchability as well as heating/freezing tolerability and moisture retention of the gels. A wearable biosensor based on the gel is fabricated to record body motions precisely with good biocompatibility, which benefits the development of smart wearable devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingquan Han
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190 Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
| | - Anhe Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190 Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China
| | - Milin Zhang
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China
| | - Shengtao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190 Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 214122 Wuxi, China
| | - Peng Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190 Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
| | - Linna Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190 Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 214122 Wuxi, China
| | - Jian Yin
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 214122 Wuxi, China
| | - Shuo Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190 Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
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29
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Mou L, Xia Y, Jiang X. Epidermal Sensor for Potentiometric Analysis of Metabolite and Electrolyte. Anal Chem 2021; 93:11525-11531. [PMID: 34378909 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c01940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Wearable epidermal sensors that can provide noninvasive and continuous analysis of metabolites and electrolytes in sweat have great significance for healthcare monitoring. This study reports an epidermal sensor that can wirelessly, noninvasively, and potentiometrically analyze metabolites and electrolytes. Potentiometry-based ion-selective electrodes (ISE) are most widely used for detecting electrolytes, such as Na+ and K+. We develop an enzyme-based glucose ISE for potentiometric analysis of sweat glucose. The glucose ISE sensor is obtained by modifying a glucose oxidase layer (GOD) on an H+ ISE sensor. GOD catalyzes glucose to generate H+. The generated H+ passes through the H+ selective membrane to change the potential of the electrode. We have fully examined the limit of detection, detecting range, and stability of our epidermal sensor. Meanwhile, using this epidermal sensor, we can easily analyze the relationship between blood glucose and sweat glucose. The concentration curve of sweat glucose can represent blood glucose concentration, significantly contributing to sports and chronic disease monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Mou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, No. 63 Duobao Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, P. R. China.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No 1088, Xueyuan Road, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China
| | - Yong Xia
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, No. 63 Duobao Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, P. R. China
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, No. 63 Duobao Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, P. R. China.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No 1088, Xueyuan Road, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China
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30
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Abstract
Soft wearable electronics are rapidly developing through exploration of new materials, fabrication approaches, and design concepts. Although there have been many efforts for decades, a resurgence of interest in liquid metals (LMs) for sensing and wiring functional properties of materials in soft wearable electronics has brought great advances in wearable electronics and materials. Various forms of LMs enable many routes to fabricate flexible and stretchable sensors, circuits, and functional wearables with many desirable properties. This review article presents a systematic overview of recent progresses in LM-enabled wearable electronics that have been achieved through material innovations and the discovery of new fabrication approaches and design architectures. We also present applications of wearable LM technologies for physiological sensing, activity tracking, and energy harvesting. Finally, we discuss a perspective on future opportunities and challenges for wearable LM electronics as this field continues to grow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Won
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Seongmin Jeong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Carmel Majidi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Seung Hwan Ko
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
- Institute of Advanced Machines and Design / Institute of Engineering Research, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
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31
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Dong R, Wang L, Hang C, Chen Z, Liu X, Zhong L, Qi J, Huang Y, Liu S, Wang L, Lu Y, Jiang X. Printed Stretchable Liquid Metal Electrode Arrays for In Vivo Neural Recording. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2006612. [PMID: 33711201 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202006612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The adoption of neural interfacing into neurological diagnosis is severely hampered by the complex, costly, and error-prone manufacturing methods, requiring new fabrication processes and materials for flexible neural interfacing. Here a strategy for fabricating highly stretchable neural electrode arrays based on screen printing of liquid metal conductors onto polydimethylsiloxane substrates is presented. The screen-printed electrode arrays show a resolution of 50 µm, which is ideally applicable to neural interfaces. The integration of liquid metal-polymer conductor enables the neural electrode arrays to retain stable electrical properties and compliant mechanical performance under a significant (≈108%) strain. Taking advantage of its high biocompatibility, liquid metal electrode arrays exhibit excellent performance for neurite growth and long-term implantation. The stretchable electrode arrays can spontaneously conformally come in touch with the brain surface, and high-throughput electrocorticogram signals are recorded. Based on stretchable electrode arrays, real-time monitoring of epileptiform activities can be provided at different states of seizure. The method reported here offers a new fabrication strategy to manufacture stretchable neural electrodes, with additional potential utility in diagnostic brain-machine interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihua Dong
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, 2 Yikuang Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Rd, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Lulu Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Chen Hang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Rd, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Zhen Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Rd, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Rd, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Leni Zhong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Rd, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Jie Qi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Rd, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Yuqing Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Rd, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Shaoqin Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, 2 Yikuang Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| | - Liping Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yi Lu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, 2 Yikuang Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Rd, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China
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32
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Veerapandian S, Jang W, Seol JB, Wang H, Kong M, Thiyagarajan K, Kwak J, Park G, Lee G, Suh W, You I, Kılıç ME, Giri A, Beccai L, Soon A, Jeong U. Hydrogen-doped viscoplastic liquid metal microparticles for stretchable printed metal lines. NATURE MATERIALS 2021; 20:533-540. [PMID: 33398123 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-020-00863-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Conductive and stretchable electrodes that can be printed directly on a stretchable substrate have drawn extensive attention for wearable electronics and electronic skins. Printable inks that contain liquid metal are strong candidates for these applications, but the insulating oxide skin that forms around the liquid metal particles limits their conductivity. This study reveals that hydrogen doping introduced by ultrasonication in the presence of aliphatic polymers makes the oxide skin highly conductive and deformable. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atom probe tomography confirmed the hydrogen doping, and first-principles calculations were used to rationalize the obtained conductivity. The printed circuit lines show a metallic conductivity (25,000 S cm-1), excellent electromechanical decoupling at a 500% uniaxial stretching, mechanical resistance to scratches and long-term stability in wide ranges of temperature and humidity. The self-passivation of the printed lines allows the direct printing of three-dimensional circuit lines and double-layer planar coils that are used as stretchable inductive strain sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selvaraj Veerapandian
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Korea
| | - Woosun Jang
- Department of Material Science and Engineering and Center for Artificial Synesthesia Materials Discovery, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Fritz-Haber Institute of the Max-Planck Society, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jae Bok Seol
- National Institute for Nanomaterials Technology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Korea
- Department of Materials Engineering and Convergence Technology, Center for K-metal, Gyeongsang National University (GNU), Jinju, South Korea
| | - Hongbo Wang
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics (CMBR@SSSA), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Pontedera, Italy
| | - Minsik Kong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Korea
| | - Kaliannan Thiyagarajan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Korea
| | - Junghyeok Kwak
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Korea
| | - Gyeongbae Park
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Korea
| | - Gilwoon Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Korea
| | - Wonjeong Suh
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Korea
| | - Insang You
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Korea
| | - Mehmet Emin Kılıç
- Department of Material Science and Engineering and Center for Artificial Synesthesia Materials Discovery, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Anupam Giri
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Korea
| | - Lucia Beccai
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics (CMBR@SSSA), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Pontedera, Italy
| | - Aloysius Soon
- Department of Material Science and Engineering and Center for Artificial Synesthesia Materials Discovery, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Unyong Jeong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Korea.
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Mi H, Zhong L, Tang X, Xu P, Liu X, Luo T, Jiang X. Electroluminescent Fabric Woven by Ultrastretchable Fibers for Arbitrarily Controllable Pattern Display. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:11260-11267. [PMID: 33625826 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c19743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Flexible textile displays can be revolutionary for information transmission at any place and any time. Typically, textile displays are fabricated by traditional rigid electronics that sacrifice mechanical flexibility of devices or by flexible electronics that do not have an appropriate choice to arbitrarily control single pixels. This work reports on an electroluminescent fabric woven by ultrastretchable fibers (electroluminescent fibers up to 400% stretch, electrode fibers up to 250% stretch), which can exhibit the pixel-based arbitrarily controllable pattern display by a mobile phone application. To realize ultrastretchability, we made these fibers by encapsulating liquid metals on a polyurethane core (high elasticity). To realize arbitrary control, the design shows a plain-woven structure comprising ZnS-based electroluminescent fibers and perpendicular electrode fibers. The cross-points between the electroluminescent fiber and the electrode fiber form pixels that can be switched on or off independently and can further form the pixel-based arbitrarily controllable pattern display. By doping with different elements, ZnS-based electroluminescent fibers can emit green, blue, or yellow lights. Meanwhile, the fabrication of these fibers employs dip-coating, a scalable manufacturing method without high temperature or vacuum atmosphere. These fabrics show great potential in a wide range of applications such as wearable electronic devices, healthcare, and fashion design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanbing Mi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Rd, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Leni Zhong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Rd, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxiao Tang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for NanoScience and Technology, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing 100190, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengtao Xu
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for NanoScience and Technology, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing 100190, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingyi Liu
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for NanoScience and Technology, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing 100190, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianzhi Luo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Rd, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Rd, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, People's Republic of China
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Liu L, Wang D, Rao W. Mini/Micro/Nano Scale Liquid Metal Motors. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:280. [PMID: 33800226 PMCID: PMC8001611 DOI: 10.3390/mi12030280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Swimming motors navigating in complex fluidic environments have received tremendous attention over the last decade. In particular, liquid metal (LM) as a new emerging material has shown considerable potential in furthering the development of swimming motors, due to their unique features such as fluidity, softness, reconfigurability, stimuli responsiveness, and good biocompatibility. LM motors can not only achieve directional motion but also deformation due to their liquid nature, thus providing new and unique capabilities to the field of swimming motors. This review aims to provide an overview of the recent advances of LM motors and compare the difference in LM macro and micromotors from fabrication, propulsion, and application. Here, LM motors below 1 cm, named mini/micro/nano scale liquid metal motors (MLMTs) will be discussed. This work will present physicochemical characteristics of LMs and summarize the state-of-the-art progress in MLMTs. Finally, future outlooks including both opportunities and challenges of mini/micro/nano scale liquid metal motors are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Key Laboratory of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (L.L.); (D.W.)
- Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Engineering Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Dawei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (L.L.); (D.W.)
- Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wei Rao
- Key Laboratory of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; (L.L.); (D.W.)
- Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Bark H, Lee PS. Surface modification of liquid metal as an effective approach for deformable electronics and energy devices. Chem Sci 2021; 12:2760-2777. [PMID: 34164040 PMCID: PMC8179365 DOI: 10.1039/d0sc05310d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The fields of flexible or stretchable electronics and energy devices, reconfigurable and compliant soft robotics, wearable e-textiles or health-care devices have paid significant attention to the need of deformable conductive electrodes due to its critical role in device performances. Gallium-based liquid metals, such as the eutectic gallium-indium (EGaIn) being an electrically conductive liquid phase at room temperature, have attracted immense interests as a promising candidate for deformable conductor. However, in the case of bulk liquid metal, there are several limitations such as the need of encapsulation, dispersion in a polymer matrix, or accurate patterning. For these reasons, the preparation of liquid metal particles in harnessing the properties in a non-bulk form and surface modification is crucial for the success of incorporating liquid metal into functional devices. Herein, we discuss the current progress in chemical surface modification and interfacial manipulations of liquid metal particles. The physical and chemical properties of the surface modification-assisted liquid metal polymer composite are also reviewed. Lastly, the applications of the surface-modified liquid metal particles such as flexible electrode, soft robotics, energy storage or harvester, thermal conductor, dielectric sensor, and bioelectronics are discussed, and the corresponding perspectives of deformable electronics and energy devices are provided. In particular, we focus on the functionalization method or requirement of liquid metal particles in each application. The challenging issues and outlook on the applications of surface-modified liquid metal particles are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunwoo Bark
- School of Material Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University 50 Nanyang Avenue Singapore 639798
| | - Pooi See Lee
- School of Material Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University 50 Nanyang Avenue Singapore 639798
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Dong R, Liu X, Cheng S, Tang L, Chen M, Zhong L, Chen Z, Liu S, Jiang X. Highly Stretchable Metal-Polymer Conductor Electrode Array for Electrophysiology. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2000641. [PMID: 32940002 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202000641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Narrowing the mechanical mismatch between biological tissues (typically soft) and neural interfaces (hard) is essential for maintaining signal quality for the electrical recording of neural activity. However, only a few materials can satisfy all requirements for such electronics, which need to be both biocompatible and sufficiently soft. Here, a highly stretchable electrode array (SEA) is introduced, based on the liquid metal-polymer conductor (MPC), achieving high mechanical flexibility and good cytocompatability for neural interfaces. By utilizing the MPC, the SEA exhibits high stretchability (≈100%) and excellent cycling stability (>400 cycles). The cytocompatability of the SEA can allow for long-term culturing of primary neurons and enable signal recording of primary hippocampal neurons. In the future, the SEA could serve as a reliable and robust platform for diagnostics in neuronal tissues and greatly advance brain-machine interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihua Dong
- School of Life Science and Technology Harbin Institute of Technology 2 Yikuang Road, Nangang District Harbin 150001 P. R. China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Southern University of Science and Technology No. 1088 Xueyuan Rd, Nanshan District Shenzhen Guangdong 518055 P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- National Center for NanoScience and Technology University of Chinese Academy of Sciences No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao Beijing 100190 P. R. China
| | - Shiyu Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Southern University of Science and Technology No. 1088 Xueyuan Rd, Nanshan District Shenzhen Guangdong 518055 P. R. China
| | - Lixue Tang
- National Center for NanoScience and Technology University of Chinese Academy of Sciences No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao Beijing 100190 P. R. China
| | - Mian Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Southern University of Science and Technology No. 1088 Xueyuan Rd, Nanshan District Shenzhen Guangdong 518055 P. R. China
| | - Leni Zhong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Southern University of Science and Technology No. 1088 Xueyuan Rd, Nanshan District Shenzhen Guangdong 518055 P. R. China
| | - Zhen Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Southern University of Science and Technology No. 1088 Xueyuan Rd, Nanshan District Shenzhen Guangdong 518055 P. R. China
| | - Shaoqin Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology Harbin Institute of Technology 2 Yikuang Road, Nangang District Harbin 150001 P. R. China
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- School of Life Science and Technology Harbin Institute of Technology 2 Yikuang Road, Nangang District Harbin 150001 P. R. China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Southern University of Science and Technology No. 1088 Xueyuan Rd, Nanshan District Shenzhen Guangdong 518055 P. R. China
- National Center for NanoScience and Technology University of Chinese Academy of Sciences No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao Beijing 100190 P. R. China
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Abstract
Electronic devices play vital role in modern civilization. Compared to conventional electronic manufacturing, the recently emerging liquid metal printed electronics (LMPE) is opening many extraordinary opportunities, such as large-area printing, pervasive adaptability, flexibility for personal use, low cost, high performance, and environmental friendliness. More uniquely, liquid metal printing allows customize electronic products on demand to fabricate electronics spanning from 2D plane surface to 3D structure and on any desired substrates. This deems it to reshape modern electronics and integrated circuits field. So far, a variety of technological breakthroughs in this new generation electronic engineering area have been made in the process of developing various liquid metal functional inks, printing machines and applications, which significantly stimulate the quick incubation and formation of a new electronic industry. Clearly, sorting out the major R&D directions and clarifying future challenges is crucial for the large scale industrialization of LMPE. This perspective article is dedicated to briefly outline the representative principles and key technologies lying behind, and illustrate the milestone products and equipment thus invented for the coming LMPE industry. In addition, we evaluate the corresponding industrialization trends and promising roadmap and interpret future prospects for the new era of pervasive electronics when anyone can freely use such a tool to print out himself functional electronic device to fulfill various purposes at anywhere and anytime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Chen
- Beijing Key Lab of Cryo-Biomedical Engineering, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
- Key Lab of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Beijing Key Lab of Cryo-Biomedical Engineering, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
- Key Lab of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Corresponding author
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38
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Tang L, Shang J, Jiang X. Multilayered electronic transfer tattoo that can enable the crease amplification effect. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/3/eabe3778. [PMID: 33523888 PMCID: PMC7806229 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe3778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Electronic tattoos have great potential in health and movement sensing applications on the skin. However, existing electronic tattoos cannot be conformal, sticky, and multilayered at the same time. Here, we have achieved multilayered integration of the electronic tattoo that is highly stretchable (800%), conformal, and sticky. This electronic tattoo can enable the crease amplification effect, which can amplify the output signal of integrated strain sensors by three times. The tattoo can be transferred to different surfaces and form a firm attachment, where no solvent or heat is needed. The tattoo fabrication is straightforward and scalable; a layer-by-layer strategy and two materials (metal-polymer conductors and the elastomeric block copolymer) are used to fabricate the circuit module with desirable numbers of layers within the tattoo. A three-layered tattoo integrating 1 heater and 15 strain sensors is developed for temperature adjustment, movement monitoring, and remote control of robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixue Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Southern University of Science and Technology, No 1088, Xueyuan Rd., Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, No.10 Xitoutiao, You An Men Wai, Beijing 100069, P. R. China
| | - Jin Shang
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Southern University of Science and Technology, No 1088, Xueyuan Rd., Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China.
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39
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Liu Y, Zhang W, Wang H. Synthesis and application of core-shell liquid metal particles: a perspective of surface engineering. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2021; 8:56-77. [PMID: 34821290 DOI: 10.1039/d0mh01117g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Liquid metal micro/nano particles (LMPs) from gallium and its alloys have attracted tremendous attention in the last decade due to the unique combination of their metallic and fluidic properties at relatively low temperatures. Unfortunately, there is limited success so far in realizing the highly controllable fabrication and functionalization of this emerging material, posing great obstacles to further promoting its fundamental and applied studies. This review aims to explore solutions for the on-demand design and manipulation of LMPs through physicochemically engineering their surface microenvironment, including compositions, structures, and properties, which are featured by the encapsulation of LMPs inside a variety of synthetic shell architectures. These heterophase, core-shell liquid metal composites display adjustable size and structure-property relationships, rendering improved performances in several attractive scenarios including but not limited to soft electronics, nano/biomedicine, catalysis, and energy storage/conversion. Challenges and opportunities regarding this burgeoning field are also disclosed at the end of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for NanoScience and Technology, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.
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40
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Ding L, Hang C, Cheng S, Jia L, Mou L, Tang L, Zhang C, Xie Y, Zheng W, Zhang Y, Jiang X. A Soft, Conductive External Stent Inhibits Intimal Hyperplasia in Vein Grafts by Electroporation and Mechanical Restriction. ACS NANO 2020; 14:16770-16780. [PMID: 33030886 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c04827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Intimal hyperplasia (IH) in vein grafts (VGs) is a major issue in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Although external stents can attenuate IH of VGs to some extent, none of the existing external stents have shown satisfactory clinical outcomes. Here we develop a flexible, biodegradable, and conductive external metal-polymer conductor stent (MPCS) that can electroporate the vessel wall and produce a protein that prevents IH. We designed the plasmid DNA encoding the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-3 (TIMP-3) and lyophilized it on the inner surface of the MPCS to deliver into the adventitia and the middle layer of VGs for gene therapy. Coupled with its continuous mechanical support to prevent dilation after implanting, the MPCS can inhibit the IH of VGs significantly in the rabbit model. This proof-of-concept demonstration may aid the development of other implantable bioelectronics for electroporation gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
- National Center for NanoScience and Technology and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Chen Hang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
- National Center for NanoScience and Technology and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Shiyu Cheng
- National Center for NanoScience and Technology and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Liujun Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Lei Mou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
- National Center for NanoScience and Technology and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Lixue Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
- National Center for NanoScience and Technology and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Chunliang Zhang
- National Center for NanoScience and Technology and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yangzhouyun Xie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
- National Center for NanoScience and Technology and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Wenfu Zheng
- National Center for NanoScience and Technology and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
- National Center for NanoScience and Technology and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
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Mou L, Qi J, Tang L, Dong R, Xia Y, Gao Y, Jiang X. Highly Stretchable and Biocompatible Liquid Metal-Elastomer Conductors for Self-Healing Electronics. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e2005336. [PMID: 33236828 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202005336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Highly stretchable, conductive, biocompatible conductors, and connectors are crucial for the fabrication of flexible devices. However, it remains a problem to get highly stretchable, conductive materials with low cost on a large scale. Another problem in production is the connection between soft and rigid components. Here, a new conductive nanocomposite is reported by mixing the 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) modified liquid metal (LM) nanoparticles with polystyrene-block-polybutadiene-block-polystyrene (SBS), which is biocompatible (in vivo and in vitro), conductive (12 000 S cm-1 of conductivity), and stretchable (800% of elongation). Apart from its good performance, this material can be produced on a large scale by using a commercial polymer product and a straightforward physical production process. MUA is used to compromise the dense "gallium oxide shell" of liquid metal nanoparticles such that the whole composite can become conductive. By using resin to modify this composite, this new conductive material can be adhesive and highly conductive, and serve as a stable and efficient connector between soft conductor and rigid component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Mou
- National Center for NanoScience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No 1088, Xueyuan Rd., Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, No. 63 Duobao Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510150, P. R. China
| | - Jie Qi
- National Center for NanoScience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No 1088, Xueyuan Rd., Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Lixue Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No 1088, Xueyuan Rd., Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Ruihua Dong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No 1088, Xueyuan Rd., Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Yong Xia
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, No. 63 Duobao Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510150, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Gao
- National Center for NanoScience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- National Center for NanoScience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No 1088, Xueyuan Rd., Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, No. 63 Duobao Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510150, P. R. China
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Mao J, Chen T, Xu X, Yang S, Guo L, Ma J, Yao T, Xin Y, Hu J. Influence of Foam Characteristics on the Aviation Coolants' Pollution Degree. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:30323-30328. [PMID: 33251467 PMCID: PMC7689932 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c04943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The particulate contamination degree of aviation coolants (ACs) is overestimated commonly because the bubbles in ACs are erroneously recognized as particulate contaminants during the measurement process. In this work, the factors that influence the foam behavior and contamination degree of ACs are investigated. It is evidenced that the foam behavior of ACs is basically unaffected by the ratio of glycol to water of the base solution, which, however, is highly influenced by the organic additive. Also, the more the organic additive arranged at the gas-liquid interface, the lower the surface tension of glycol aqueous (GA) solution and the higher the contamination degree. Furthermore, the foam characteristics and contamination degree of ACs are highly affected by the working conditions, such as airflow, operating temperature, and gas pressure. Besides, the defoaming rate can be accelerated by adding an antifoaming agent or ultrasonic processing; however, the defoaming effect of the natural static method and pressuring positively treatment is disappointing. To further improve the defoaming effect, several efficient synergetic methods of defoaming have been proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jixin Mao
- Department
of Aviation Oil and Material, Air Force
Logistics College, Xuzhou 221000, China
| | - Teng Chen
- Department
of Aviation Oil and Material, Air Force
Logistics College, Xuzhou 221000, China
- Key
Lab of Mesoscopic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Department
of Aviation Oil and Material, Air Force
Logistics College, Xuzhou 221000, China
| | - Shizhao Yang
- Department
of Aviation Oil and Material, Air Force
Logistics College, Xuzhou 221000, China
| | - Li Guo
- Department
of Aviation Oil and Material, Air Force
Logistics College, Xuzhou 221000, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Department
of Aviation Oil and Material, Air Force
Logistics College, Xuzhou 221000, China
| | - Ting Yao
- Analysis
anst Center, Huangshan University, Huangshan 245041, China
| | - Yongliang Xin
- Guangzhou
Qualid Tety Supervision Station, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Jianqiang Hu
- Department
of Aviation Oil and Material, Air Force
Logistics College, Xuzhou 221000, China
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43
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Zhang M, Wang X, Huang Z, Rao W. Liquid Metal Based Flexible and Implantable Biosensors. BIOSENSORS 2020; 10:E170. [PMID: 33182535 PMCID: PMC7696291 DOI: 10.3390/bios10110170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Biosensors are the core elements for obtaining significant physiological information from living organisms. To better sense life information, flexible biosensors and implantable sensors that are highly compatible with organisms are favored by researchers. Moreover, materials for preparing a new generation of flexible sensors have also received attention. Liquid metal is a liquid-state metallic material with a low melting point at or around room temperature. Owing to its high electrical conductivity, low toxicity, and superior fluidity, liquid metal is emerging as a highly desirable candidate in biosensors. This paper is dedicated to reviewing state-of-the-art applications in biosensors that are expounded from seven aspects, including pressure sensor, strain sensor, gas sensor, temperature sensor, electrical sensor, optical sensor, and multifunctional sensor, respectively. The fundamental scientific and technological challenges lying behind these recommendations are outlined. Finally, the perspective of liquid metal-based biosensors is present, which stimulates the upcoming design of biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingkuan Zhang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Beijing 100190, China; (M.Z.); (X.W.)
- Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Engineering Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Beijing 100190, China; (M.Z.); (X.W.)
- Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhiping Huang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BU, UK;
| | - Wei Rao
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Beijing 100190, China; (M.Z.); (X.W.)
- Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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44
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Ford MJ, Patel DK, Pan C, Bergbreiter S, Majidi C. Controlled Assembly of Liquid Metal Inclusions as a General Approach for Multifunctional Composites. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e2002929. [PMID: 33043492 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202002929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Soft composites that use droplets of gallium-based liquid metal (LM) as the dispersion phase have the potential for transformative impact in multifunctional material engineering. However, it is unclear whether percolation pathways of LM can support high electrical conductivity in a wide range of matrix materials. This issue is addressed through an approach to LM composite synthesis that focuses on the interrelated effects of matrix curing/solidification and droplet formation. The combined influence of LM concentration, particle size, and sedimentation is explored. By developing this approach, the functionalities that have been demonstrated with LM composites can be generalized to other matrix materials that impart additional functionality. Specifically, composites are synthesized using a biodegradable/reprocessable plastic (polycaprolactone), a hydrogel (poly(vinyl alcohol)), and a processable rubber (a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene derivative) to demonstrate wide applicability. This method enables synthesis of composites: i) with high stretchability and negligible electromechanical coupling (>600% strain); ii) with Joule-heated healing and reprocessability; iii) with electrical and mechanical self-healing; and iv) that can be printed. This approach to controlled assembly represents a widely applicable technique for creating new classes of LM composites with unprecedented multifunctionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Ford
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Dinesh K Patel
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Chengfeng Pan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Sarah Bergbreiter
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Carmel Majidi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
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45
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Zhao R, Guo R, Xu X, Liu J. A Fast and Cost-Effective Transfer Printing of Liquid Metal Inks for Three-Dimensional Wiring in Flexible Electronics. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:36723-36730. [PMID: 32660242 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c08931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The fluidity and high electrical conductivity of a liquid metal make it an excellent material for preparing flexible electronics. Here, we established a method utilizing a widespread laser-printing technique to manufacture 3D flexible electronics. Through digital constructing of liquid alloy-philic smooth toner on liquid alloy-phobic rough substrates, we have the liquid metal selectively adhered to the designed pattern. The liquid metal circuit can then be transferred to an uneven and deformable Ecoflex surface to form a 3D circuit. Computational fluid dynamics simulation was performed to interpret the printing mechanism of the liquid metal on a substrate with selected adhesion. Flexible electronics fabricated through this method reveal great performance and stability, opening up opportunities for office and home flexible electronics manufacture, especially for lighting, heating, and logistics. By making the full use of the laser printers, our method not only saves the cost and time in preparation but also identifies favorable prospects for the mature laser-printing industry to promote next-generation flexible electronics fabrication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqi Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cryo-Biomedical Engineering and Key Laboratory of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Engineering Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Rui Guo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xinlin Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cryo-Biomedical Engineering and Key Laboratory of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Engineering Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cryo-Biomedical Engineering and Key Laboratory of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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46
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Neumann TV, Facchine EG, Leonardo B, Khan S, Dickey MD. Direct write printing of a self-encapsulating liquid metal-silicone composite. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:6608-6618. [PMID: 32613217 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm00803f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Silicone composites featuring inclusions of liquid metal particles are soft and stretchable materials with useful electric, dielectric, mechanical, and thermal properties. Until recently, these materials have primarily been cast as films. This work examines the possibility of using uncured liquid metal-elastomer (LME) composites as inks for direct writing. The liquid metal inclusions act as rheological modifiers for the silicone, forming a gel-structure that can be extruded from a nozzle and hold its shape after printing. Additionally, by tuning the particle size, larger particles in the printed structures can settle to form metal-rich regions at the bottom of the structures, encased by metal-depleted (insulating) regions. Using mechanical force, the liquid metal-rich interior can be rendered conductive by sintering without affecting the insulating exterior. Thus, it is possible to print this soft and stretchable material while creating conductors with self-insulating shells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor V Neumann
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
| | - Emily G Facchine
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
| | - Brian Leonardo
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
| | - Saad Khan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
| | - Michael D Dickey
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
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47
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Mao J, Chen T, Guo L, Yang S, Xu X, Ma J, Hu J. Effect of Additives on the Foam Behavior of Aviation Coolants: Tendency, Stability, and Defoaming. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:17686-17691. [PMID: 32715255 PMCID: PMC7377318 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c02238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The foam tendency of aviation coolants (ACs) can be greatly influenced by additives. This study investigates the effect of additives on foam behaviors based on four commercial ACs and glycol aqueous solutions added with different additives. Experimental results show that the foam tendency of ACs can be greatly influenced by surfactants; however, inorganic salts have little effect on foam tendency. The volume of generated foam reaches up to 350 mL after ventilation for an AC with a surfactant, much larger than 40 mL of an AC with an inorganic salt. The surface tension of ACs reduces with the addition of surfactants, the lower the surface tension, the more the foam formation. Furthermore, the presence of arranged surfactants at the gas-solution interface can increase the intermolecular forces and enhance the liquid and viscosity of film elasticity, thereby enhancing the foam stability. Besides, the surfactants would weaken the gas diffusion of foams and affect the defoaming property of ACs accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jixin Mao
- Department
of Aviation Oil and Material, Air Force
Logistic College, Xuzhou 221000, China
| | - Teng Chen
- Department
of Aviation Oil and Material, Air Force
Logistic College, Xuzhou 221000, China
- Key
Lab of Mesoscopic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Li Guo
- Department
of Aviation Oil and Material, Air Force
Logistic College, Xuzhou 221000, China
| | - Shizhao Yang
- Department
of Aviation Oil and Material, Air Force
Logistic College, Xuzhou 221000, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Department
of Aviation Oil and Material, Air Force
Logistic College, Xuzhou 221000, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Department
of Aviation Oil and Material, Air Force
Logistic College, Xuzhou 221000, China
| | - Jianqiang Hu
- Department
of Aviation Oil and Material, Air Force
Logistic College, Xuzhou 221000, China
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48
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Liu Y, Wang Q, Bi S, Zhang W, Zhou H, Jiang X. Water-processable liquid metal nanoparticles by single-step polymer encapsulation. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:13731-13741. [PMID: 32573574 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr00988a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Stabilizing metastable colloids such as gallium-based liquid metal nanoparticles (LM NPs) and using them in complex machining processes is a great challenge due to their simple and sensitive surface chemistry against ligand modification and solution processing. Water, a green solvent, is unfortunately not favored by LM NPs in the entire workflow from synthesis to functionalization and application. This dilemma is relieved herein by presenting a sonochemical polymer deposition technique that can produce a water-dispersible LM@polymer hybrid nanomaterial in one step. Water-soluble polymers such as poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) can be directly deposited onto eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn) as a coating shell (up to 20 nm) and prevent their rapid and continuous oxidation in aqueous solutions. EGaIn@PVP NPs are stable after preservation for 30 days in water and 60 days in ethanol, and the polymer coating shows solvent-responsive swelling/shrinking behaviors. The LM@polymer NPs can be stably composited with other materials through complex processing and perform desired functions after composition. For demonstration, EGaIn@PVP NPs are employed as active electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries by compositing with water-soluble binders, and exhibit excellent cycling performances with no obvious decay (capacity retention >95%) in more than 700 cycles at 4 A g-1. This strategy enriches the toolbox for surface engineering of LMs especially under harsh conditions, which can benefit the applications of LM NPs in various scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.
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49
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Zhang Y, Liu S, Miao Y, Yang H, Chen X, Xiao X, Jiang Z, Chen X, Nie B, Liu J. Highly Stretchable and Sensitive Pressure Sensor Array Based on Icicle-Shaped Liquid Metal Film Electrodes. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:27961-27970. [PMID: 32498505 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c04939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Flexible pressure sensors emerge for important applications in wearable electronics, with increasing requirements for high sensitivity, fast response, and low detection limit. However, there is still a challenge in this field, that is, how to maximize both the electrical performance and mechanical stretchability simultaneously. Here, we report a straightforward and cost-effective method to fabricate highly stretchable and sensitive capacitive pressure sensor arrays. It features a unique design of integrating the icicle-shaped liquid metal film electrode and reliable processing of the liquid metal and elastomer. Under an external load, the deformation of the elastic bump structure dramatically results in an increase in the overlapping area of the electrodes and a decrease in the separation distance, offering a new capacitive sensing scheme with an enhanced sensitivity. Our sensor has been demonstrated with a high sensitivity of 39% kPa-1 in the range of 0-1 kPa, limit of detection as low as 12 Pa, hysteresis error of 8.46% at a maximum pressure of 25 kPa, and stretchability up to 94% strain without any failure. The arrayed sensor has been successfully applied to force measurements on a curved surface, contour mapping of external loads, and monitoring of contact pressures under various cervical postures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqiu Zhang
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Sidi Liu
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Yihui Miao
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Han Yang
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Xuyue Chen
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Xiang Xiao
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Zhongyun Jiang
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Xinjian Chen
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Baoqing Nie
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
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50
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Lin Y, Genzer J, Dickey MD. Attributes, Fabrication, and Applications of Gallium-Based Liquid Metal Particles. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:2000192. [PMID: 32596120 PMCID: PMC7312306 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202000192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
This work discusses the attributes, fabrication methods, and applications of gallium-based liquid metal particles. Gallium-based liquid metals combine metallic and fluidic properties at room temperature. Unlike mercury, which is toxic and has a finite vapor pressure, gallium possesses low toxicity and effectively zero vapor pressure at room temperature, which makes it amenable to many applications. A variety of fabrication methods produce liquid metal particles with variable sizes, ranging from nm to mm (which is the upper limit set by the capillary length). The liquid nature of gallium enables fabrication methods-such as microfluidics and sonication-that are not possible with solid materials. Gallium-based liquid metal particles possess several notable attributes, including a metal-metal oxide (liquid-solid) core-shell structure as well as the ability to self-heal, merge, and change shape. They also have unusual phase behavior that depends on the size of the particles. The particles have no known commercial applications, but they show promise for drug delivery, soft electronics, microfluidics, catalysis, batteries, energy harvesting, and composites. Existing challenges and future opportunities are discussed herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiliang Lin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNC27695‐7905USA
| | - Jan Genzer
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNC27695‐7905USA
| | - Michael D. Dickey
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNC27695‐7905USA
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