Self-compliant ionic nanomesh for gas-permeable and stress-free on-skin electronics

Abstract

Abstract Self-adaptive compliance and gas permeability are crucial properties for on-skin electronics, enabling the reliable extraction of high-fidelity electrophysiological signals for applications in personal healthcare and robotic control. However, integrating these two properties into a single device, particularly under dynamic skin deformations, remains a significant challenge. Here, we present an ultrathin liquid crystal elastomer-based sheath-core ionic nanomesh that synergizes soft elasticity with ionic conductivity to create self-compliant and breathable bioelectronic interfaces. The nanomesh features a hydrophilic sheath and a porous architecture, which ensure high moisture and air permeability for superior wearable comfort. Moreover, the unique liquid-like deformation of liquid crystal directors facilitates nearly stress-free skin-device junctions, promoting fatigue-resistant adhesion against various interfacial failures. Our fabricated electrodes successfully acquire muscle-specific electromyography signals with minimized motion artifacts - a feat challenging for conventional epidermal electrodes. This design resolves the trade-off between self-compliance and permeability, establishing a new paradigm for long-term, reliable wearable electronics.