Self-polymerized metal-phenolic ionogel with multifunctional properties towards theranostic wearable electronics

With the rapid development of wearable technology toward integrated diagnostics and therapy, wearable electronic materials are required to possess a range of properties, such as stretchable, compressible, conductive, anti-freezing, biocompatible, and antimicrobial properties. Metal-phenolic dual-network ionogel (MP-DN ionogel) was thus prepared by using Fe^III-tannic acid and H₂O₂ as dual self-catalysis system to trigger the polymerization of hydrophilic ionic liquid monomer and hydrophobic acrylamide glycidyl ester monomer. The prepared ionogel showed well-rounded properties including high conductivity, good self-healing, anti-freezing (remains ice-free at -20 °C), anti-swelling, effective antibacterial property (anti-bacterial ratio > 99.9 %), and good cell and tissue biocompatibility. The ionogel exhibited the capability of recording electrocardiogram (ECG), electromyography (EMG), monitoring motion of finger bending and promoting wound healing. The present work provides a simple one-pot strategy to prepare multifunctional ionogels, to meet various application conditions for the next-generation theranostics wearable electronic devices. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: 1. A dual-network ionogel with tuned mechanical properties was prepared using a simple one-pot method. 2. The ionogel exhibited superior conductivity, antifreeze, anti-swelling, good adhesion and antibacterial properties. 3. The prepared ionogel demonstrated good performance in rat ECG and EMG signal and high sensitivity to finger bending motions. 4. The ionogel could promote the healing of infected wounds. 5. Offer valuable guidance for the theranostic wearable electronics.