A dry electroencephalogram electrode for applications in steady-state visual evoked potential-based brain-computer interface systems

High-efficiency electroencephalogram (EEG) dry electrodes are a key component of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology because of their direct contact with the scalp. In this study, a semi-flexible polydopamine (PDA)/Pt-TiO2 electrode is prepared for the dry-contact acquisition of EEG signals. The PDA biofilm adheres strongly to the scalp and maintains a dynamic balance of water and ions. The Pt nanoparticles and TiO2 nanotube array together result in fast electron transfer. Therefore, the interface impedance between the dry PDA/Pt-TiO2 electrode and scalp is as low as 19.63-24.53 k omega. The spontaneous EEG signal collected simultaneously using the dry PDA/Pt-TiO2 and wet Ag/AgCl electrodes had a correlation coefficient of up to 99.9%. In a steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP)-based BCI system, the dry electrode was used to collect EEG feedback signals for stimulations at 27 different frequencies in the range of 7-19.25 Hz. For these feedback signals, O1, Oz, and O2 channels in the occipital area exhibited high signal-to-noise ratios of 11.3, 11.8, and 11 dB, respectively. A volunteer wore an EEG headband with three PDA/Pt-TiO2 dry electrodes and successfully controlled the robotic arm of the SSVEP-BCI system in the untrained mode. The dry PDA/Pt-TiO2 electrode-based EEG cap is comfortable to wear, the identification signals of the SSVEP paradigm are accurate, and it is suitable for controlling external devices including a keyboard in the SSVEP-BCI system.

Automated summary

A semi-flexible polydopamine (PDA)/Pt-TiO2 electrode was prepared for dry-contact acquisition of EEG signals, with low interface impedance with the scalp. In SSVEP-based BCI system, the dry electrode can collect high-quality EEG feedback signals and effectively control external devices.