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Enhancing the Longevity and Functionality of Ti-Ag Dry Electrodes for Remote Biomedical Applications: A Comprehensive
Daniel Carvalho1, Sandra Marques1, Giorgia Siqueira1
1Physics Centre of Minho and Porto Universities (CF-UM-UP), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 14, 2023
Summary
This study assessed Ti-Ag dry electrodes for wearables. Higher silver content reduced electrode lifespan due to corrosion, impacting long-term biomedical monitoring and electrical stimulation.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Surface Engineering
Background:
- Wearable technology demands durable biosensors for remote monitoring.
- Ti-Ag electrodes offer potential for electromyography (EMG) and functional electrical stimulation (FES).
- Electrode longevity is critical for sustained biomedical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the lifespan of Ti-Ag dry electrodes on PTFE substrates.
- To determine the effect of silver content on electrode durability in artificial sweat.
- To assess electrode performance for remote EMG and FES therapy.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of Ti-Ag electrodes via DC magnetron sputtering with varying Ag/Ti ratios.
- Immersion testing in artificial sweat (ISO-3160-2) at 37°C.
- Characterization of chemical composition, microstructure, electrical resistivity, and signal acquisition.
Main Results:
- All Ti-Ag electrodes maintained functionality for 24 hours.
- Electrodes with Ag/Ti ratios < 0.23 showed viable signal acquisition beyond 24 hours.
- High Ag content (Ag/Ti = 0.31) led to insulation within 7 days due to Ag release and corrosion.
Conclusions:
- Increased Ag/Ti atomic ratios accelerate corrosion, reducing electrode lifespan.
- Electrode longevity is a critical factor for reliable smart wearable applications.
- Optimizing Ag content is essential for balancing performance and durability in Ti-Ag electrodes.
