Layered, tunable graphene oxide-nylon composite heterostructures for wearable electrocardiogram sensors

Nanoscale engineered materials combined with wearable wireless technologies can deliver a new level of health monitoring. A reduced graphene oxide-nylon composite material is developed and tested, demonstrating its usefulness as a material for sensors in wearable, long-term electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring via a comparison to one of the widely used ECG sensors. The structural analysis by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy shows a limited number of defects on a macroscopic scale. Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy confirm the presence of rGO(x), and the ratio of D- and G-features as a function of thickness correlates with the resistivity analysis. The negligible effect of the defects and the tunability of electrical and optical properties, together with live ECG data, demonstrate its signal transduction capability. Other potential electronic and optical sensor uses beyond ECG are possible, given the controllable nature of the heterostructures and the correlation of transport and optical properties.

Automated summary

The combination of nanoscale engineered materials and wearable wireless technologies can revolutionize health monitoring. A composite material called reduced graphene oxide-nylon is developed and tested, showing potential as a sensor material for long-term electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring. Structural analysis confirms the limited defects in the material, and spectroscopy analysis confirms its electrical and optical properties. The negligible effect of defects and the tunability of properties make it suitable for various sensor applications beyond ECG.