Ultrafast assembly and healing of nanomaterial networks on polymer substrates for flexible hybrid electronics

High throughput manufacturing of regenerable nanomaterial-based flexible electronics represents an extreme challenge. Here we demonstrate a rapid and eco-friendly assembly and regeneration of nanomaterial networks (films) on a hydrophobic polymer substrate (i.e., polydimethylsiloxane) from a sonicated dispersion of hydrophobic nanoparticles in water. The self-limiting sono dip coating (SDC) assembly is characterized by an ultrafast withdrawal speed (16 m/min, one to five orders of magnitude greater than that of existing nanomaterial dip-coating processes) and insensitivity to substrate geometry. It is applicable to a wide range of hydrophobic nanomaterials, from graphene to carbon nanotubes and poly (methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles. The sono healing method requires only 1 min sonication in water to regenerate graphene/polydimethylsiloxane strain sensors. Furthermore, the SDC can be combined with other nanomaterial deposition methods (e.g., electroplating) to build heterostructures and integrated devices. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study demonstrates a rapid and eco-friendly assembly and regeneration of nanomaterial networks on a hydrophobic polymer substrate. The method is applicable to a wide range of hydrophobic nanomaterials and can be combined with other deposition methods to build heterostructures and integrated devices. The ultrafast withdrawal speed and insensitivity to substrate geometry make it a promising approach for high-throughput manufacturing of flexible electronics.