A Three-Dimensional Printable Liquid Metal-Like Ag Nanoparticle Ink for Making a Super-Stretchable and Highly Cyclic Durable Strain Sensor

Fabrication of metal nanoparticle (NP)-based strain sensors with both a broad working range and linearity range is still a significant challenge. Typically, homogeneous conductive percolation networks are indispensable for linear sensing performance, whereas inhomogeneous microstructures may inevitably arise under large strain due to the formation of defects in rigid NPs. In this study, a sandwich-structured strain sensor with an extraordinarily large stretchability (800%) yet self-healing property is fabricated by three-dimensional printing using a liquid metal-like Ag NP ink. The strain sensor shows an initial conductivity of 248 S cm(-1), a good linearity in two strain ranges, and a long-term stability after undergoing 5000 cycles under a strain level of 100%. Such highly comprehensive sensing performance is attributed to the unique structure of the Ag NP ink, in which Ag NPs coalesce together after room-temperature sintering triggered by chlorides, and then, the sintered Ag aggregates tend to form continuous conductive networks through hydrogen bonds between polyacrylic acid and carboxymethylcellulose. Further, the free flow of Ag aggregates is the root cause that leads to the change of relative resistance as demonstrated by finite element simulation. This Ag NP-based strain sensor shows high potential for application in monitoring human knuckle motion.

Automated summary

This study fabricates a sandwich-structured strain sensor with extraordinarily large stretchability (800%) and self-healing property using liquid metal-like Ag NP ink via 3D printing. The sensor demonstrates excellent sensing performance, including good linearity in two strain ranges, showing potential application in monitoring human knuckle motion. The unique structure of the Ag NP ink, with Ag NPs coalescing together and forming continuous conductive networks through hydrogen bonds, contributes to the sensor's comprehensive performance.