Zwitterionic Eutectogel-Based Wearable Strain Sensor with Superior Stretchability, Self-Healing, Self-Adhesion, and...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Soft Electronics

Background:

• Ionic conductive eutectogels are promising for wearable strain sensors due to temperature tolerance, simplicity, and low cost.
• Polymer cross-linked eutectogels exhibit good tensile properties, self-healing, and surface adhesion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential of zwitterionic deep eutectic solvents (DESs) for creating advanced polymeric eutectogels.
• To develop a novel zwitterionic eutectogel for high-performance wearable self-adhesive strain sensors.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of polymeric zwitterionic eutectogels via direct polymerization of acrylamide in zwitterionic DESs (betaine-based).
• Characterization of ionic conductivity, stretchability, self-healing, self-adhesion, and temperature tolerance.
• Fabrication and testing of wearable self-adhesive strain sensors using the developed eutectogel.

Main Results:

• The zwitterionic eutectogels exhibited excellent ionic conductivity (0.23 mS cm⁻¹), superior stretchability (~1400% elongation), and high self-healing capacity (82.01%).
• The material demonstrated wide temperature tolerance (-80 to 80 °C), self-adhesion, and high sensitivity in wearable strain sensors.
• The strain sensor successfully monitored body motions with excellent cyclic stability and bidirectional sensing capabilities.

Conclusions:

• Zwitterionic eutectogels offer a versatile platform for developing advanced soft materials with environmental adaptation.
• The developed wearable strain sensor demonstrates significant potential for applications in human motion monitoring and flexible electronics.