Source: Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
Summary
A research team has developed a new ion conductor that is water-resistant, thermally stable, and flexible. This material may be used in the future to develop elastic sensors for measuring body temperature and other stretchable electronic devices.
About the Research
The emergence of the new coronavirus pandemic in recent years has once again highlighted the importance of quarantine and preventive measures. One of the most important indicators when monitoring human health is body temperature. Therefore, accurate and rapid temperature measurement is extremely important.
In this context, the research team developed a stretchable and bendable polymer ion conductor to create a new generation of flexible temperature sensors. These sensors can be integrated into clothing, attached to the human body, and even used to control the movements of artificial muscles.
Professor Taiho Park from the Department of Chemical Engineering at POSTECH and his student Junwoo Lee, in collaboration with Nanyang Technological University, developed a thermally stable and flexible ion conductor using a water-based solvent. The results of the research have been published in the online version of a scientific journal.
Problems with Existing Materials
Although various ion-conducting materials have been developed, many of them still have certain limitations.
For example:
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Semiconductor devices used in electronic equipment may lose their functionality due to mechanical stress when stretched or compressed.
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Rubber materials containing silver nanoparticles require complex processing and are not transparent.
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Hydrogel materials tend to dry out easily and lose their elasticity.
The New Polymer Material
To overcome these problems, the research team developed a new polymer called P(SPMA-r-MMA), which consists of ionic side chains and chemically linked polymer chains.
In the production of ion conductors, a solution process at room temperature is very important. The newly developed polymer was processed using a water-based solvent and coated in the form of a thin film.
This method is:
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simpler than conventional techniques
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free from toxic solvents
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suitable for mass production.
Material Properties
The developed ion conductor has several important properties:
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high thermal stability
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elasticity and stretchability
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self-healing capability when damaged.
Using this material, the research team created an actuator stable up to 100°C and a flexible temperature sensor that can be applied directly to the human body.
Researchers’ Opinion
One of the authors of the study, Junwoo Lee, stated:
“This is one of the first examples of developing a polymer ion conductor for stretchable electronic devices using a water-based solvent instead of toxic chemical solvents. The polymer ion conductor we developed is stretchable, self-healing, and thermally stable. Therefore, we expect our research to have a significant impact on the stretchable electronics industry.”
Conclusion
The newly developed polymer ion conductor technology represents an important step toward the development of flexible electronic devices and body-compatible sensors. In the future, it may be widely used in fields such as medical diagnostics, smart clothing, and artificial muscle systems.