Synthesis of a Soft Nanocomposite for Flexible, Wearable Bioelectronics

There are strong needs for flexible and stretchable devices for the seamless integration with soft and curvilinear human skin or irregularly textured clothes. However, the mechanical mismatch between the conventional rigid electronics and the soft human body results in many problems. Since nanoscale materials can provide mechanical and electrical versatility, various nanomaterials have rapidly established themselves as promising electronic materials, replacing rigid silicon and/or compound semiconductors in next-generation wearable devices. Here, we introduce a flexible, wearable bioelectronic system using an elastomeric hybrid nanocomposite, composed of zero-dimensional carbon nanoparticles and one-dimensional carbon nanotubes. A fast and facile fabrication route is used to construct a unique architecture by microscale replica molding process using an ultra-soft elastomeric membrane in conjunction with the nanomaterials. An open-mesh, self-similar meander structure designs a mechanically compliant and stretchable platform, while avoiding permanent deformation and failure that typically happens in conductive metal-based rigid electronics. The soft nanocomposite, laminated on the skin, enables highly sensitive recording of electromyograms.