An ultrastretchable and multifunctional hydrophobic/electrostatic dual-crosslinked hydrogel for self-healing flexible touch panel and sensor
Yichen Li, Fan Jiang, Xiang Li, Yiqian Wu, Yue Wang, Haoyu Peng, Jing Peng, Jiuqiang Li, Maolin Zhai
Abstract
Hydrogels have emerged as promising candidates for the next generation of flexible electronics for human-machine interaction, owing to their excellent biocompatibility, safety, and flexibility. In this work, a novel hydrophobic/electrostatic dual-crosslinked hydrogel, polyacrylic acid-divinylbenzene-liquid metal (PAAD-LM) hydrogel, was synthesized for the first time by a facile one-step γ-radiation method. PAAD-LM hydrogel exhibits remarkable stretchability (elongation at break of 5257 ± 170%, areal strain of > 7000% without break), self-healing capability, and excellent responsiveness as flexible touch panel and strain sensor. The hydrogel-based device demonstrates versatile functionalities, including painting, keyboard and mouse control applications, high-sensitivity recording of various human body movement signals, and VR smart gloves. The function of the hydrogel-based device is converted successfully through circuit and program design. With its stretchable and self-healing properties, PAAD-LM hydrogel holds great potential for advanced multifunctional wearable electronic devices. This work also provides novel insights into the synthesis of high-tensile, sensitive and multifunctional hydrogels.