Multi-role conductive hydrogels for flexible transducers regulated by MOFs for monitoring human activities and electronic skin functions
Mansoor Khan, Tanzil Ur Rahman, Luqman Ali Shah, Hazizan Md Akil, Jun Fu, Hyeong-Min Yoo
Abstract
integration of Zn-MOFs into hydrophobically cross-linked polymer chains. Here the micelles of EHDDAB had two functions, first they uniformly dispersed the Zn-MOFs and secondly they dynamically cross-linked the polymer chains, profoundly influencing the mechanical characteristics of the hydrogels. The non-covalent synergistic interactions introduced by Zn-MOFs endowed the hydrogels with the capacity for high stretchability, high stress, rapid self-recovery, anti-fatigue properties, and conductivity, all achieved without external stimuli. Furthermore, hydrogels based on Zn-MOFs can serve as durable and highly sensitive flexible transducers, adept at detecting diverse mechanical deformations with swift response-recovery times and high gauge factor values. Consequently, these hydrogels can be tailored to function as wearable strain sensors capable of sensing significant human joint movements, such as wrist bending, and motions involving the wrist, fingers, and elbows. Similarly, they excel at monitoring subtle human motions, such as speech pronunciation, distinguishing between different words, as well as detecting swallowing and larynx vibrations during various activities. Beyond these applications, the hydrogels exhibit proficiency in distinguishing and reproducing various written words with reliability. The Zn-MOF-based hydrogels hold promising potential for development in electronic skin, medical monitoring, soft robotics, and flexible touch panels.