A highly conductive, robust, self-healable, and thermally responsive liquid metal-based hydrogel for reversible electrical switches

• DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00209a
• Publication Date: 2024-05-03T07:47:41Z
• Authors: Joo Hyung Lee; Ji Eun Hyun; Jongbeom Kim; Jungin Yang; Huanan Zhang; Hyunchul Ahn; Sohee Lee; Jung Han Kim; Taehwan Lim
• Keywords: Biocompatibility; Smart material

This study introduces a thermally responsive smart hydrogel with enhanced electrical properties achieved through volume switching. advancement was realized by incorporating multiscale liquid metal particles (LMPs) into the PNIPAM during polymerization, using their inherent elasticity and conductivity when deswelled. Unlike traditional conductive additives, LMPs endow remarkably consistent switching ratio, significantly enhancing is attributed to minimal nucleation effect of polymerization liquid-like behavior, like vacancies in polymeric under compression. The PNIPAM/LMP exhibits highest switching, an unprecedented switch 6.1 orders magnitude. Even after repeated swelling/deswelling cycles that merge some increase swelled, consistently maintains exceeding 4.5 magnitude, which still record date. Comprehensive measurements reveal possesses robust mechanical properties, tissue-like compression modulus, biocompatibility, self-healing capabilities. These features make ideal candidate for long-term implantable bioelectronics, offering solution mismatch dynamic human tissues.