Stabilizing Metal Coating on Flexible Devices by Ultrathin Protein Nanofilms

Yingying Zhang ^1,2,3, Hao Ren ^1,2,3, Changhong Linghu ⁴

⁰Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China.

Advanced Materials (deerfield Beach, Fla.) +

|

November 14, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

An ultrathin protein nanofilm (UPN) enhances adhesion between metal coatings and polymer substrates, preventing delamination in flexible devices. This biocompatible solution offers superior stability for advanced applications.

Area Of Science

Materials Science
Biotechnology
Surface Chemistry

Background

Flexible devices suffer from delamination due to modulus mismatch between metal coatings and polymer substrates.
Enhancing adhesion stability of metal layers on polymers is crucial for device longevity.

Purpose Of The Study

To develop a novel adhesive layer to improve metal-polymer adhesion.
To investigate the potential of ultrathin protein nanofilms (UPN) as a biocompatible adhesive for flexible electronics.

Main Methods

Synthesized ultrathin protein nanofilms (UPN) via disulfide-bond-reducing protein aggregation.
Applied UPN as an adhesive layer between polymer substrates and metal coatings using ion sputtering.
Evaluated adhesion stability under repetitive mechanical deformation.

Main Results

UPN, at nanometer/single-molecular scale, significantly enhanced interfacial adhesive strength.
Achieved unprecedented adhesion stability of metal coatings on flexible polymer substrates.
Demonstrated UPN's low cohesion and high surface activity for robust bonding.

Conclusions

UPN serves as a highly effective biocompatible adhesive for metal nano-coating on flexible polymers.
This approach overcomes traditional limitations, enabling stable hybrid devices.
Applications include reversible transparency, tension-responsive encryption, and wearable sensors.

Keywords:

flexible devices interfacial adhesion protein aggregation ultrathin protein nanofilm