A Supramolecular Reversible and Anisotropic Conductive Adhesive for Flexible Electronics

Stretchable sensors are widely used in wearable devices and flexible electronics for their unique advantages in flexibility. However, assembling and integrating stretchable devices face challenges due to the low deformation tolerance of soft-rigid connections. Moreover, in manufacturing flexible electronics, convenient and reversible connections like soldering that enable on-demand replacement of soft units remain unavailable. Here, we report a supramolecular conductive adhesive (SCA) based on a nanocomposite of thermoresponsive polymers and conductive fillers. SCA applies to diverse substrates such as plastics, rubbers, and metals with robust mechanical connections and stable anisotropic electrical conductivity. SCA-connected stretchable systems exhibit excellent tensile tolerance, with Au@SEBS connected to rigid units achieving mechanical stretchability exceeding 300% strain and electrical stretchability over 80% strain. SCA is also directly applicable to traditional electronic components, with reusability resembling traditional solders. At 80°C, SCA can be reversibly detached, and without renewal, SCA maintains its original connection strength and electrical stretchability over 5 reuse cycles. The reversible connections enable on-demand replacement of stretchable units in flexible electronics for device repair or customization. This reduces the cost of flexible electronics and significantly extends their overall service life, holding broad potential in the more sustainable production of flexible electronics.