In Situ Synthesis of Biocompatible and Functionalizable Core–Shell Conductive Nanocomposites for Stretchable Electronics
Abstract
ABSTRACT Stretchable electronics are poised to revolutionize smart wearables and biomedical implants, yet their progress is hindered by the lack of biocompatible and easily functionalized conductors. While silver nanowire (Ag NW)‐based composites show promise, their cytotoxicity and chemical instability often require complex passivation with noble metal coatings. Here, we introduce a scalable in situ synthesis that directly converts a patterned blend of Ag NWs and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into a hierarchical core–shell architecture. The resulting material features a conductive nanocomposite core enveloped by a protective, CNT‐rich shell, achieving high conductivity (5100 S/cm), stretchability (>200% strain), and carbon‐like biocompatibility. Its broad electrochemical stability window permits direct electroplating of active materials required for physical and chemical sensing. We demonstrate the utility of this platform via soft electronic patches that conform to dynamic skins and organs. In a compelling in vivo application, these patches successfully recorded pathological electrograms and terminated arrhythmia via closed‐loop pacing therapy on a rabbit heart. This work establishes a general strategy for creating biocompatible compliant conductors as a key enabler for stretchable devices in health monitoring, medical therapies, and human‐machine interfaces.
Article Details
Authors (19)
Yong Lin
Xinyuan Zhou
Cheng Yang
Institute of Materials Research
Junqi Sun
Ting Fang
Weijie Qiu
Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering
Weixi Huang
State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry For Life Science and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials Nanjing University Nanjing China
Jinheng Zhang
State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry For Life Science and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials Nanjing University Nanjing China
Qiangbing Lu
Jiangsu Acoustic Technology Innovation Center Changshu China
Chong Bai
Haorun Guo
College of Chemical Engineering and Technology Engineering Research Center of Seawater Utilization Technology of Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment Hebei University of Technology Tianjin China
Likang Ding
State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry For Life Science and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials Nanjing University Nanjing China
Changqing Qin
College of Chemical Engineering and Technology Engineering Research Center of Seawater Utilization Technology of Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment Hebei University of Technology Tianjin China
Qian Wang
Shaolei Wang
Gaohua Hu
Xinghai Ning
State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry For Life Science and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials Nanjing University Nanjing China
Yan‐Qing Lu
National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures & Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures & College of Engineering and Applied Sciences Nanjing University Nanjing China
Desheng Kong
State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry For Life Science and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials Nanjing University Nanjing China