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Memon AW, Malengier B, Van Torre P, Langenhove LV. A Lattice-Hinge-Design-Based Stretchable Textile Microstrip Patch Antenna for Wireless Strain Sensing at 2.45 GHz. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:8946. [PMID: 37960644 PMCID: PMC10650037 DOI: 10.3390/s23218946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The manuscript presents a novel approach to designing and fabricating a stretchable patch antenna designed for strain sensing and the wireless communication of sensing data at the same time. The challenge lies in combining flexible and stretchable textile materials with different physical morphologies, which can hinder the adhesion among multiple layers when stacked up, resisting the overall stretchability of the antenna. The proposed antenna design overcomes this challenge by incorporating a lattice hinge pattern into the non-stretchable conductive e-textile, transforming it into a stretchable structure. The innovative design includes longitudinal cuts inserted in both the patch and the ground plane of the antenna, allowing it to stretch along in the perpendicular direction. Implementing the lattice hinge pattern over the conductive layers of the proposed patch antenna, in combination with a 2 mm thick Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate, achieves a maximum of 25% stretchability compared to its counterpart antenna without a lattice hinge design. The stretchable textile antenna resonates around a frequency of 2.45 GHz and exhibits a linear resonant frequency shift when strained up to 25%. This characteristic makes it suitable for use as a strain sensor. Additionally, the lattice hinge design enhances the conformability and flexibility of the antenna compared to that of a solid patch antenna. The realized antenna gains in the E and H-plane are measured as 2.21 dBi and 2.34 dBi, respectively. Overall, the presented design offers a simple and effective solution for fabricating a stretchable textile patch antenna for normal use or as a sensing element, opening up possibilities for applications in the communication and sensing fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Wahab Memon
- Centre of Textile Science and Engineering, Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (B.M.); (L.V.L.)
- Department of Textile Engineering, Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro 76020, Pakistan
| | - Benny Malengier
- Centre of Textile Science and Engineering, Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (B.M.); (L.V.L.)
| | - Patrick Van Torre
- Department of Information Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture Imec-IDLab, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Lieva Van Langenhove
- Centre of Textile Science and Engineering, Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (B.M.); (L.V.L.)
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2
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Han Y, Cui Y, Liu X, Wang Y. A Review of Manufacturing Methods for Flexible Devices and Energy Storage Devices. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:896. [PMID: 37754130 PMCID: PMC10526154 DOI: 10.3390/bios13090896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Given the advancements in modern living standards and technological development, conventional smart devices have proven inadequate in meeting the demands for a high-quality lifestyle. Therefore, a revolution is necessary to overcome this impasse and facilitate the emergence of flexible electronics. Specifically, there is a growing focus on health detection, necessitating advanced flexible preparation technology for biosensor-based smart wearable devices. Nowadays, numerous flexible products are available on the market, such as electronic devices with flexible connections, bendable LED light arrays, and flexible radio frequency electronic tags for storing information. The manufacturing process of these devices is relatively straightforward, and their integration is uncomplicated. However, their functionality remains limited. Further research is necessary for the development of more intricate applications, such as intelligent wearables and energy storage systems. Taking smart wear as an example, it is worth noting that the current mainstream products on the market primarily consist of bracelet-type health testing equipment. They exhibit limited flexibility and can only be worn on the wrist for measurement purposes, which greatly limits their application diversity. Flexible energy storage and flexible display also face the same problem, so there is still a lot of room for development in the field of flexible electronics manufacturing. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the developmental history of flexible devices, systematically summarizing representative preparation methods and typical applications, identifying challenges, proposing solutions, and offering prospects for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yaqun Wang
- College of Energy Storage Technology, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266590, China
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3
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Zhao Z, Soni S, Lee T, Nijhuis CA, Xiang D. Smart Eutectic Gallium-Indium: From Properties to Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2203391. [PMID: 36036771 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202203391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Eutectic gallium-indium (EGaIn), a liquid metal with a melting point close to or below room temperature, has attracted extensive attention in recent years due to its excellent properties such as fluidity, high conductivity, thermal conductivity, stretchability, self-healing capability, biocompatibility, and recyclability. These features of EGaIn can be adjusted by changing the experimental condition, and various composite materials with extended properties can be further obtained by mixing EGaIn with other materials. In this review, not only the are unique properties of EGaIn introduced, but also the working principles for the EGaIn-based devices are illustrated and the developments of EGaIn-related techniques are summarized. The applications of EGaIn in various fields, such as flexible electronics (sensors, antennas, electronic circuits), molecular electronics (molecular memory, opto-electronic switches, or reconfigurable junctions), energy catalysis (heat management, motors, generators, batteries), biomedical science (drug delivery, tumor therapy, bioimaging and neural interfaces) are reviewed. Finally, a critical discussion of the main challenges for the development of EGaIn-based techniques are discussed, and the potential applications in new fields are prospected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibin Zhao
- Institute of Modern Optics and Center of Single Molecule Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-scale Optical Information Science and Technology, Nankai University, 300350, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Saurabh Soni
- Department of Molecules and Materials, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Molecules Center and Center for Brain-Inspired Nano Systems, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Takhee Lee
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Institute of Applied Physics, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Christian A Nijhuis
- Department of Molecules and Materials, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Molecules Center and Center for Brain-Inspired Nano Systems, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Dong Xiang
- Institute of Modern Optics and Center of Single Molecule Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-scale Optical Information Science and Technology, Nankai University, 300350, Tianjin, P. R. China
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4
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Deng HT, Wen DL, Feng T, Wang YL, Zhang XR, Huang P, Zhang XS. Silicone Rubber Based-Conductive Composites for Stretchable "All-in-One" Microsystems. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:39681-39700. [PMID: 36006298 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c08333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Wearable electronics with development trends such as miniaturization, multifunction, and smart integration have become an important part of the Internet of Things (IoT) and have penetrated various sectors of modern society. To meet the increasing demands of wearable electronics in terms of deformability and conformability, many efforts have been devoted to overcoming the nonstretchable and poor conformal properties of traditional functional materials and endowing devices with outstanding mechanical properties. One of the promising approaches is composite engineering in which traditional functional materials are incorporated into the various polymer matrices to develop different kinds of functional composites and construct different functions of stretchable electronics. Herein, we focus on the approach of composite engineering and the polymer matrix of silicone rubber (SR), and we summarize the state-of-the-art details of silicone rubber-based conductive composites (SRCCs), including a summary of their conductivity mechanisms and synthesis methods and SRCC applications for stretchable electronics. For conductivity mechanisms, two conductivity mechanisms of SRCC are emphasized: percolation theory and the quantum tunneling mechanism. For synthesis methods of SRCCs, four typical approaches to synthesize different kinds of SRCCs are investigated: mixing/blending, infiltration, ion implantation, and in situ formation. For SRCC applications, different functions of stretchable electronics based on SRCCs for interconnecting, sensing, powering, actuating, and transmitting are summarized, including stretchable interconnects, sensors, nanogenerators, antennas, and transistors. These functions reveal the feasibility of constructing a stretchable all-in-one self-powered microsystem based on SRCC-based stretchable electronics. As a prospect, this microsystem is expected to integrate the functional sensing modulus, the energy harvesting modulus, and the process and response modulus together to sense and respond to environmental stimulations and human physiological signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Tao Deng
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Dan-Liang Wen
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Tao Feng
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Yi-Lin Wang
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Xin-Ran Zhang
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Peng Huang
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
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Zhu J, Hu Z, Zhang S, Zhang X, Zhou H, Xing C, Guo H, Qiu D, Yang H, Song C, Cheng H. Stretchable 3D Wideband Dipole Antennas from Mechanical Assembly for On-Body Communication. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:12855-12862. [PMID: 35254805 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c24651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The development of wearable/stretchable electronics could largely benefit from advanced stretchable antennas with excellent on-body performance upon mechanical deformations. Despite recent developments of stretchable antennas based on intrinsically stretchable conductors, they are often affected by lossy human tissues and exhibit resonant frequency shifts upon stretching, preventing their applications in on-body wireless communication and powering. This work reports a three-dimensional (3D) stretchable wideband dipole antenna from mechanical assembly to simultaneously reduce the frequency detuning and enhance on-body performance. The large bandwidth is achieved by coupling two resonances from two pairs of radiation arms, which is well-maintained even when the antenna is directly placed on human bodies or stretched over 25%. Such an excellent on-body performance allows the antenna to robustly transmit the wireless data and energy. The design of the 3D stretchable wideband dipole antenna with significantly enhanced on-body wireless communication performance was validated by an experimental demonstration that features a small difference in the wirelessly received power between the on-body and off-body use. The combination of the mechanically assembled 3D geometries and the coupled mechanical-electromagnetic properties can open up new opportunities in deformable 3D antennas and other microwave devices with excellent on-body performance and tunable properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zhu
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Zhihui Hu
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, Pennsylvania, United States
- School of Transportation and Logistics Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063, China
| | - Senhao Zhang
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, Pennsylvania, United States
- School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230022, China
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Suzhou 215011, China
| | - Xianzhe Zhang
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Honglei Zhou
- Institute of Flexible Electronics Technology of THU, Jiaxing 314000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chenghao Xing
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Huaiqian Guo
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Donghai Qiu
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Suzhou 215011, China
| | - Hongbo Yang
- School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230022, China
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Suzhou 215011, China
| | - Chaoyun Song
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Huanyu Cheng
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, Pennsylvania, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, Pennsylvania, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, Pennsylvania, United States
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6
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Design and optimization strategies of metal oxide semiconductor nanostructures for advanced formaldehyde sensors. Coord Chem Rev 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2021.214280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Wang X, Guo H, Zhou C, Bai J. High-resolution probe design for measuring the dielectric properties of human tissues. Biomed Eng Online 2021; 20:86. [PMID: 34454484 PMCID: PMC8403451 DOI: 10.1186/s12938-021-00924-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In order to use the microwave to measure the dielectric constant of the human body and improve the measurement resolution, a small near-field probe working at 915 MHz is designed in this paper. Method Based on the electric small loop antenna model loaded by the spiral resonator (SR), a small near-field probe was designed. The probe model is designed and optimized by the HFSS (high frequency structure simulator) software. The human tissues were tested by the manufactured probe and the relationship between the S11 parameters of the probe and the human tissues was analyzed. Results and conclusions A probe with small size was designed and fabricated, with the overall size of 10.0 mm × 12.0 mm × 0.8 mm. The probe has a good performance with a 30.7 dB return loss, a 20 MHz bandwidth at the resonance point, and a distance resolution of 10 mm. Due to the small size and good resolution of the probe, it can be used in the measurement of human tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinran Wang
- School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hongfu Guo
- School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Xidian University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Chen Zhou
- School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
| | - Junkai Bai
- School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
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8
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Kaur M, Kim TH, Kim WS. New Frontiers in 3D Structural Sensing Robots. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2002534. [PMID: 33458908 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202002534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Advanced robotics is the result of various contributions from complex fields of science and engineering and has tremendous value in human society. Sensing robots are highly desirable in practical settings such as healthcare and manufacturing sectors through sensing activities from human-robot interaction. However, there are still ongoing research and technical challenges in the development of ideal sensing robot systems. The sensing robot should synergically merge sensors and robotics. Geometrical difficulty in the sensor positioning caused by the structural complexity of sensing robots and their corresponding processing have been the main challenges in the production of sensing robots. 3D electronics integrated into 3D objects prepared by the 3D printing process can be the potential solution for designing realistic sensing robot systems. 3D printing provides the advantage to manufacture complex 3D structures in electronics in a single setup, allowing the ease of design flexibility, and customized functions. Therefore, the platform of 3D sensing systems is investigated and their expansion into sensing robots is studied further. The progress toward sensing robots from 3D electronics integrated into 3D objects and the advanced material strategies, used to overcome the challenges, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manpreet Kaur
- Additive Manufacturing Laboratory, School of Mechatronics System Engineering, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, BC, V3T 0A3, Canada
| | - Tae-Ho Kim
- Additive Manufacturing Laboratory, School of Mechatronics System Engineering, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, BC, V3T 0A3, Canada
| | - Woo Soo Kim
- Additive Manufacturing Laboratory, School of Mechatronics System Engineering, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, BC, V3T 0A3, Canada
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Development of Miniaturized Wearable Wristband Type Surface EMG Measurement System for Biometric Authentication. ELECTRONICS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/electronics10080923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Personal authentication systems employing biometrics are attracting increasing attention owing to their relatively high security compared to existing authentication systems. In this study, a wearable electromyogram (EMG) system that can be worn on the forearm was developed to detect EMG signals and, subsequently, apply them for personal authentication. In previous studies, wet electrodes were attached to the skin for measuring biosignals. Wet electrodes contain adhesives and conductive gels, leading to problems such as skin rash and signal-quality deterioration in long-term measurements. The miniaturized wearable EMG system developed in this study comprised flexible dry electrodes attached to the watch strap, enabling EMG measurements without additional electrodes. In addition, for accurately classifying and applying the measured signal to the personal authentication system, an optimal algorithm for classifying the EMG signals based on a multi-class support vector machine (SVM) model was implemented. The model using cubic SVM achieved the highest personal authentication rate of 87.1%. We confirmed the possibility of implementing a wearable authentication system by measuring the EMG signal and artificial intelligence analysis algorithm presented in this study.
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Zhu J, Zhang S, Yi N, Song C, Qiu D, Hu Z, Li B, Xing C, Yang H, Wang Q, Cheng H. Strain-Insensitive Hierarchically Structured Stretchable Microstrip Antennas for Robust Wireless Communication. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2021; 13:108. [PMID: 34138356 PMCID: PMC8035380 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-021-00631-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
As the key component of wireless data transmission and powering, stretchable antennas play an indispensable role in flexible/stretchable electronics. However, they often suffer from frequency detuning upon mechanical deformations; thus, their applications are limited to wireless sensing with wireless transmission capabilities remaining elusive. Here, a hierarchically structured stretchable microstrip antenna with meshed patterns arranged in an arched shape showcases tunable resonance frequency upon deformations with improved overall stretchability. The almost unchanged resonance frequency during deformations enables robust on-body wireless communication and RF energy harvesting, whereas the rapid changing resonance frequency with deformations allows for wireless sensing. The proposed stretchable microstrip antenna was demonstrated to communicate wirelessly with a transmitter (input power of - 3 dBm) efficiently (i.e., the receiving power higher than - 100 dBm over a distance of 100 m) on human bodies even upon 25% stretching. The flexibility in structural engineering combined with the coupled mechanical-electromagnetic simulations, provides a versatile engineering toolkit to design stretchable microstrip antennas and other potential wireless devices for stretchable electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zhu
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Senhao Zhang
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230022, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Suzhou, 215011, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Yi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Chaoyun Song
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, University Park, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, Scotland, UK
| | - Donghai Qiu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Suzhou, 215011, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhihui Hu
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Bowen Li
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Chenghao Xing
- Department of Electrical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Hongbo Yang
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230022, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Suzhou, 215011, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Huanyu Cheng
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
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Abu Bakar H, Abd Rahim R, Soh PJ, Akkaraekthalin P. Liquid-Based Reconfigurable Antenna Technology: Recent Developments, Challenges and Future. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21030827. [PMID: 33530534 PMCID: PMC7865807 DOI: 10.3390/s21030827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Advances in reconfigurable liquid-based reconfigurable antennas are enabling new possibilities to fulfil the requirements of more advanced wireless communication systems. In this review, a comparative analysis of various state-of-the-art concepts and techniques for designing reconfigurable antennas using liquid is presented. First, the electrical properties of different liquids at room temperature commonly used in reconfigurable antennas are identified. This is followed by a discussion of various liquid actuation techniques in enabling high frequency reconfigurability. Next, the liquid-based reconfigurable antennas in literature used to achieve the different types of reconfiguration will be critically reviewed. These include frequency-, polarization-, radiation pattern-, and compound reconfigurability. The current concepts of liquid-based reconfigurable antennas can be classified broadly into three basic approaches: altering the physical (and electrical) dimensions of antennas using liquid; applying liquid-based sections as reactive loads; implementation of liquids as dielectric resonators. Each concept and their design approaches will be examined, outlining their benefits, limitations, and possible future improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Habshah Abu Bakar
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Politeknik Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah, Jitra 06000, Kedah, Malaysia;
| | - Rosemizi Abd Rahim
- Faculty of Electronic Engineering Technology, Pauh Putra Campus, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Pauh 02600, Perlis, Malaysia;
- Correspondence: (R.A.R.); (P.A.)
| | - Ping Jack Soh
- Faculty of Electronic Engineering Technology, Pauh Putra Campus, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Pauh 02600, Perlis, Malaysia;
- Advanced Communication Engineering (ACE) Centre of Excellence, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Kangar 01000, Perlis, Malaysia
| | - Prayoot Akkaraekthalin
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), 1518 Pracharat 1 Rd., Wongsawang, Bangsue, Bangkok 10800, Thailand
- Correspondence: (R.A.R.); (P.A.)
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12
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Mahat MM, Sabere ASM, Azizi J, Amdan NAN. Potential Applications of Conducting Polymers to Reduce Secondary Bacterial Infections among COVID-19 Patients: a Review. EMERGENT MATERIALS 2021; 4:279-292. [PMID: 33649739 PMCID: PMC7903935 DOI: 10.1007/s42247-021-00188-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is a motivation for material scientists to search for functional materials with valuable properties to alleviate the risks associated with the coronavirus. The formulation of functional materials requires synergistic understanding on the properties of materials and mechanisms of virus transmission and disease progression, including secondary bacterial infections that are prevalent in COVID-19 patients. A viable candidate in the struggle against the pandemic is antimicrobial polymer, due to their favorable properties of flexibility, lightweight, and ease of synthesis. Polymers are the base material for personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, face mask, face shield, and coverall suit for frontliners. Conducting polymers (CPs) are polymers with electrical properties due to the addition of dopant in the polymer structure. The conductivity of polymers augments their antiviral and antibacterial properties. This review discusses the types of CPs and how their properties could be exploited to ward off bacterial infections in hospital settings, specifically in cases involving COVID-19 patients. This review also covers common CPs fabrication techniques. The key components to produce CPs at several possibilities to fit the current needs in fighting secondary bacterial infections are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Muzamir Mahat
- Textile Research Group, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Awis Sukarni Mohmad Sabere
- Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Bandar Indera Mahkota, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang Malaysia
| | - Juzaili Azizi
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia
| | - Nur Asyura Nor Amdan
- Bacteriology Unit, Infectious Disease Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor Malaysia
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Corzo D, Tostado-Blázquez G, Baran D. Flexible Electronics: Status, Challenges and Opportunities. FRONTIERS IN ELECTRONICS 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/felec.2020.594003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
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14
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Small Antennas for Wearable Sensor Networks: Impact of the Electromagnetic Properties of the Textiles on Antenna Performance. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20185157. [PMID: 32927710 PMCID: PMC7570873 DOI: 10.3390/s20185157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The rapid development of wearable wireless sensor networks (W-WSNs) has created high demand for small and flexible antennas. In this paper, we present small, flexible, low-profile, light-weight all-textile antennas for application in W-WSNs and investigate the impact of the textile materials on the antenna performance. A step-by-step procedure for design, fabrication and measurement of small wearable backed antennas for application in W-WSNs is also suggested. Based on the procedure, an antenna on a denim substrate is designed as a benchmark. It demonstrates very small dimensions and a low-profile, all while achieving a bandwidth (|S11| < −6 dB) of 285 MHz from 2.266 to 2.551 GHz, radiation efficiency more than 12% in free space and more than 6% on the phantom. Also, the peak 10 g average SAR is 0.15 W/kg. The performance of the prototype of the proposed antenna was also evaluated using an active test. To investigate the impact of the textile materials on the antenna performance, the antenna geometry was studied on cotton, polyamide-elastane and polyester substrates. It has been observed that the lower the loss tangent of the substrate material, the narrower the bandwidth. Moreover, the higher the loss tangent of the substrate, the lower the radiation efficiency and SAR.
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Fang R, Song R, Zhao X, Wang Z, Qian W, He D. Compact and Low-Profile UWB Antenna Based on Graphene-Assembled Films for Wearable Applications. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 20:E2552. [PMID: 32365820 PMCID: PMC7249118 DOI: 10.3390/s20092552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In this article, a graphene-assembled film (GAF)-based compact and low-profile ultra-wide bandwidth (UWB) antenna is presented and tested for wearable applications. The highly conductive GAFs (~106 S/m) together with the flexible ceramic substrate ensure the flexibility and robustness of the antenna, which are two main challenges in designing wearable antennas. Two H-shaped slots are introduced on a coplanar-waveguide (CPW) feeding structure to adjust the current distribution and thus improve the antenna bandwidth. The compact GAF antenna with dimensions of 32 × 52 × 0.28 mm3 provides an impedance bandwidth of 60% (4.3-8.0 GHz) in simulation. The UWB characteristics are further confirmed by on-body measurements and show a bending insensitive bandwidth of ~67% (4.1-8.0 GHz), with the maximum gain at 7.45 GHz being 3.9 dBi and 4.1 dBi in its flat state and bent state, respectively. Our results suggest that the proposed antenna functions properly in close proximity to a human body and can sustain repetitive bending, which make it well suited for applications in wearable devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Fang
- Hubei Engineering Research Center of RF-Microwave Technology and Application, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China; (R.F.); (R.S.); (X.Z.); (Z.W.); (W.Q.)
| | - Rongguo Song
- Hubei Engineering Research Center of RF-Microwave Technology and Application, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China; (R.F.); (R.S.); (X.Z.); (Z.W.); (W.Q.)
| | - Xin Zhao
- Hubei Engineering Research Center of RF-Microwave Technology and Application, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China; (R.F.); (R.S.); (X.Z.); (Z.W.); (W.Q.)
| | - Zhe Wang
- Hubei Engineering Research Center of RF-Microwave Technology and Application, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China; (R.F.); (R.S.); (X.Z.); (Z.W.); (W.Q.)
| | - Wei Qian
- Hubei Engineering Research Center of RF-Microwave Technology and Application, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China; (R.F.); (R.S.); (X.Z.); (Z.W.); (W.Q.)
| | - Daping He
- Hubei Engineering Research Center of RF-Microwave Technology and Application, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China; (R.F.); (R.S.); (X.Z.); (Z.W.); (W.Q.)
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
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16
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Yang X, Cheng H. Recent Developments of Flexible and Stretchable Electrochemical Biosensors. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:E243. [PMID: 32111023 PMCID: PMC7143805 DOI: 10.3390/mi11030243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The skyrocketing popularity of health monitoring has spurred increasing interest in wearable electrochemical biosensors. Compared with the traditionally rigid and bulky electrochemical biosensors, flexible and stretchable devices render a unique capability to conform to the complex, hierarchically textured surfaces of the human body. With a recognition element (e.g., enzymes, antibodies, nucleic acids, ions) to selectively react with the target analyte, wearable electrochemical biosensors can convert the types and concentrations of chemical changes in the body into electrical signals for easy readout. Initial exploration of wearable electrochemical biosensors integrates electrodes on textile and flexible thin-film substrate materials. A stretchable property is needed for the thin-film device to form an intimate contact with the textured skin surface and to deform with various natural skin motions. Thus, stretchable materials and structures have been exploited to ensure the effective function of a wearable electrochemical biosensor. In this mini-review, we summarize the recent development of flexible and stretchable electrochemical biosensors, including their principles, representative application scenarios (e.g., saliva, tear, sweat, and interstitial fluid), and materials and structures. While great strides have been made in the wearable electrochemical biosensors, challenges still exist, which represents a small fraction of opportunities for the future development of this burgeoning field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Technology & Systems (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China;
- Department of Automotive Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Huanyu Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Technology & Systems (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China;
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
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Paracha KN, Butt AD, Alghamdi AS, Babale SA, Soh PJ. Liquid Metal Antennas: Materials, Fabrication and Applications. SENSORS 2019; 20:s20010177. [PMID: 31905646 PMCID: PMC6983104 DOI: 10.3390/s20010177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This work reviews design aspects of liquid metal antennas and their corresponding applications. In the age of modern wireless communication technologies, adaptability and versatility have become highly attractive features of any communication device. Compared to traditional conductors like copper, the flow property and lack of elasticity limit of conductive fluids, makes them an ideal alternative for applications demanding mechanically flexible antennas. These fluidic properties also allow innovative antenna fabrication techniques like 3D printing, injecting, or spraying the conductive fluid on rigid/flexible substrates. Such fluids can also be easily manipulated to implement reconfigurability in liquid antennas using methods like micro pumping or electrochemically controlled capillary action as compared to traditional approaches like high-frequency switching. In this work, we discuss attributes of widely used conductive fluids, their novel patterning/fabrication techniques, and their corresponding state-of-the-art applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kashif Nisar Paracha
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan;
| | - Arslan Dawood Butt
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan;
- Correspondence: (A.D.B.); (A.S.A.)
| | - Ali S. Alghamdi
- Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (A.D.B.); (A.S.A.)
| | | | - Ping Jack Soh
- Advanced Communication Engineering (ACE) Centre of Excellence, School of Computer and Communication Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Perlis 02600, Malaysia;
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18
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Gund GS, Jung MG, Shin KY, Park HS. Two-Dimensional Metallic Niobium Diselenide for Sub-micrometer-Thin Antennas in Wireless Communication Systems. ACS NANO 2019; 13:14114-14121. [PMID: 31746198 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b06732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The state-of-the-art of the Internet of things (IoT) and smart electronics demands advances in thin and flexible radio frequency (RF) antennas for wireless communication systems. So far, nanostructured materials such as metals, carbon nanotubes, graphene, MXene, and conducting polymers have been investigated due to their noteworthy electrical conductivity. However, most antennas based on metallic materials are thick, which limits their application in miniaturized and portable electronic devices. Herein, we report two-dimensional (2D) metallic niobium diselenide (NbSe2) for a monopole patch RF antenna, which functions effectively despite its sub-micrometer thickness, which is less than the skin depths of other metals. The as-fabricated antenna has an 855 nm thickness and a 1.2 Ω sq-1 sheet resistance and achieves a reflection coefficient of -46.5 dB, a radiation efficiency of 70.6%, and omnidirectional RF propagation. Additionally, the resonance frequency of this antenna at the same thickness is reconfigured from 2.01 to 2.80 GHz, while decreasing its length and preserving its reflection coefficient of less than -10 dB. This approach offers a facile process to synthesize 2D metallic transition metal dichalcogenides for the rational design of flexible, miniaturized, frequency-tunable, and omnidirectional monopole patch RF antennas for body-centric wearable communication systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Keun-Young Shin
- School of Nano Convergence Technology , Hallym University , Chuncheon 24252 , Republic of Korea
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Abstract
Patterned conformal conductive structures are used to realize flexible electronics for applications such as electronic skin, communication devices, and sensors. Thus, there is a demand for low-cost rapid fabrication techniques for flexible and stretchable conductors. Spray-coating of liquid metals is a prototyping method that is compatible with elastic substrates. In this work, UV-curable and polyimide masks were used to pattern sprayed liquid metal (LM). The effect of the spraying parameters on the thickness and conductivity of the LM was characterized. A minimum LM linewidth of 48 µm was achieved, along with a minimum gap width of 34 µm. A LM patch antenna and transmission line, which can potentially be used for communication systems, were demonstrated using this fabrication process.
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Zhu J, Fox JJ, Yi N, Cheng H. Structural Design for Stretchable Microstrip Antennas. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:8867-8877. [PMID: 30758181 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b22021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Wireless technology plays a critical role in the development of flexible and stretchable electronics due to the increasing demand for compactness, portability, and level of comfort. As an important candidate in wireless technology, microstrip antennas have recently been explored for flexible and stretchable electronics. However, the stretchable characteristics of the microstrip antenna typically come at the cost of reduced electrical conductivity and radiation efficiency. By utilizing a soft silicone substrate and the structural design of the conventional metallic materials for both patch and ground plane in the microstrip antennas, we have demonstrated two designs of stretchable microstrip antennas: "meshed microstrip antenna" and "arched microstrip antenna". The former exploits initially wavy structures from patterning, and the latter also uses the deformed wavy structures created from the prestrain strategy. In comparison to their solid microstrip antenna counterpart, the radiation properties of the resulting stretchable microstrip antennas do not change much. Meanwhile, the resonance frequency decreases with the externally applied tensile strain along the feeding direction in the design of the meshed microstrip antenna but increases with the increasing strain in the design of the arched microstrip antenna. The change in the resonance frequency with the externally applied tensile strain in the latter design has a high sensitivity, manifesting a 3.35- and a 1.49-fold increase of sensitivity when compared to those in previous reports that used silver nanowire- or liquid-metal-based stretchable microstrip antennas. Considering the high sensitivity and compliant characteristic of the stretchable microstrip antenna, we have demonstrated an arched microstrip antenna-based strain sensor that is capable of detecting the motion of human wrists with high sensitivity, little hysteresis, and possible wireless communication.
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