Mechanically Robust 3D Flexible Electrodes via Embedding Conductive Nanomaterials in the Surface of Polymer Networks

Abstract

3D flexible electrodes are essential to implement flexible pressure sensors in various flexible electronic applications. Conventional methods for fabricating these electrodes include electroless deposition, spray coating, and incorporating conductive nanomaterials into a polymer matrix. However, the electrodes fabricated using these methods are characterized by poor adhesion between the conductive layer and polymer surface and fail to maintain intrinsic mechanical properties of the polymer, such as elastic modulus and ductility. Herein, a transfer method in which conductive nanomaterials are embedded into the surface of polymer networks via optimal surface energy control is proposed, such as reducing adhesion between the mold and nanomaterials. This method induces mechanical interlocking between the surface of polymer networks and conductive nanomaterials, firmly anchoring them onto the polymer network surface. Moreover, the intrinsic mechanical properties of the fabricated 3D flexible electrodes remain unchanged. Flexible capacitive sensors prepared using the resulting electrodes exhibit a stable sensing performance (ΔC_0,5000/C₀ = 0.169%) even under repetitive pressure conditions (5000 cycles at 70 kPa). The proposed robust 3D flexible electrode fabrication method presents a promising strategy for the future development of flexible pressure sensors.