A Durable Metalgel Maintaining 3×10⁶ S∙M^‒1 Conductivity under 1 000 000 Stretching Cycles

Xusong Li ¹, Jiacheng Wang ¹, Wen Wang ¹

⁰National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Centre, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Advanced Microstructures, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China.

Advanced Materials (deerfield Beach, Fla.) +

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March 31, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Researchers developed a durable metalgel with metal-level conductivity for wearable electronics and soft robotics. This new material maintains conductivity after extensive stretching, overcoming limitations of current conductive elastomers.

Area Of Science

Materials Science
Polymer Science
Nanotechnology

Background

Conductive elastomers are crucial for wearable electronics and soft robotics.
Existing materials lack stable conductivity under repeated stretching.
A need exists for durable, highly conductive materials for flexible applications.

Purpose Of The Study

To develop a novel conductive elastomer with enhanced durability and metal-level conductivity.
To overcome the limitations of current materials in maintaining conductivity during mechanical deformation.
To enable new possibilities in advanced applications like wearable technology.

Main Methods

Fabrication of a waterborne polyurethane network with electrostatic interactions.
Immobilization of a liquid metal continuum within the polymer network.
Testing of conductivity and durability under extensive stretching cycles.

Main Results

Achieved a conductivity of 3 × 10^6 S∙m^-1.
Demonstrated stable conductivity after 1,000,000 stretching cycles.
The liquid metal continuum deformed synchronously and reversibly with the polymer network.

Conclusions

The new metalgel design overcomes performance limitations of current conductive elastomers.
The material offers unprecedented durability and stable conductivity for flexible electronics.
This advancement unlocks new opportunities for cutting-edge applications in wearable technology and robotics.

Keywords:

conductive elastomer durability elasticity high electrical conductivity