Issue

Vol. 16 (2024)

Naturally Crosslinked Biocompatible Carbonaceous Liquid Metal Aqueous Ink Printing Wearable Electronics for Multi-Sensing and Energy Harvesting

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-024-01362-z
King Yan Chung
Nanotechnology Center, School of Fashion and Textiles, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, People’s Republic of China
Bingang Xu
Nanotechnology Center, School of Fashion and Textiles, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, People’s Republic of China
Di Tan
Nanotechnology Center, School of Fashion and Textiles, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, People’s Republic of China
Qingjun Yang
Nanotechnology Center, School of Fashion and Textiles, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, People’s Republic of China
Zihua Li
Nanotechnology Center, School of Fashion and Textiles, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, People’s Republic of China
Hong Fu
Department of Mathematics and Information Technology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China

Corresponding Author: Bingang Xu

tcxubg@polyu.edu.hk

Nano-Micro Letters, Vol. 16 (2024), Article Number: 149

Abstract

Achieving flexible electronics with comfort and durability comparable to traditional textiles is one of the ultimate pursuits of smart wearables. Ink printing is desirable for e-textile development using a simple and inexpensive process. However, fabricating high-performance atop textiles with good dispersity, stability, biocompatibility, and wearability for high-resolution, large-scale manufacturing, and practical applications has remained challenging. Here, water-based multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-decorated liquid metal (LM) inks are proposed with carbonaceous gallium–indium micro-nanostructure. With the assistance of biopolymers, the sodium alginate-encapsulated LM droplets contain high carboxyl groups which non-covalently crosslink with silk sericin-mediated MWCNTs. E-textile can be prepared subsequently via printing technique and natural waterproof triboelectric coating, enabling good flexibility, hydrophilicity, breathability, wearability, biocompatibility, conductivity, stability, and excellent versatility, without any artificial chemicals. The obtained e-textile can be used in various applications with designable patterns and circuits. Multi-sensing applications of recognizing complex human motions, breathing, phonation, and pressure distribution are demonstrated with repeatable and reliable signals. Self-powered and energy-harvesting capabilities are also presented by driving electronic devices and lighting LEDs. As proof of concept, this work provides new opportunities in a scalable and sustainable way to develop novel wearable electronics and smart clothing for future commercial applications.


Highlights:
1 Naturally crosslinked carbonaceous liquid metal aqueous printable ink mediated by biopolymers.
2 E-textile with conductivity, stability, wearability, and aesthetic characteristics.
3 Multi-applications in health monitoring, pressure sensing, and energy harvesting.

Keywords

Biocompatible Conductive ink Biopolymer E-textile Carbonaceous liquid metal
Chung, King Yan, Bingang Xu, Di Tan, Qingjun Yang, Zihua Li, and Hong Fu. 2024. “Naturally Crosslinked Biocompatible Carbonaceous Liquid Metal Aqueous Ink Printing Wearable Electronics for Multi-Sensing and Energy Harvesting”. Nano-Micro Letters 16 (March):149. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-024-01362-z.
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