Self-Derived Superhydrophobic and Multifunctional Polymer Sponge Composite with Excellent Joule Heating and Photothermal Performance for Strain/Pressure Sensors

Flexible strain or pressure sensors have potential applications in electronic skin, healthcare, etc. It remains a challenge to explore multifunctional strain or pressure sensors that possess excellent water repellent and heating performance and hence can be used in harsh environments such as high moisture and low-temperature conditions. Here, a self-derived superhydrophobic and multifunctional polymer composite foam is prepared by adsorption of the Ag precursor in tetrahydrofuran (THF) onto the rubber sponge followed by reduction of Ag+ to Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs). During the Ag+ reduction in hydrazine solution, the swollen rubber sponge by THF is partially precipitated based on the nonsolvent-induced phase separation (NIPS). The NIPS creates a porous structure on the sponge surface and thus a high surface roughness, contributing to the material superhydrophobicity. The precipitated polymer wrapping the AgNPs could enhance the interaction between the individual AgNPs. The obtained conductive sponge composite possesses excellent Joule heating and photothermal performance and can be used as both a strain and pressure sensor. The conductive sponge composite sensor possesses good reliability and durability and can be applied to real-time monitoring of human body movements.