Multi-touch microcapsules/silicone-polyacrylate hybrid hydrogels with precise self-healing ability and their self-powered sensing applications in emergency rescue

Abstract

Hydrogels offer significant potential for use in wearable soft electronic devices. However, their application faces considerable challenges in outdoor emergencies or extreme environments where a power supply is unavailable. In this study, multi-touch microcapsules with phase change properties were prepared by coating nanogold through silica as Pickering particles. Subsequently, the microspheres were integrated into a silicone oil-modified polyacrylate hydrogel with self-healing capabilities, resulting in the fabrication of a hydrogel strain sensor that exhibits precise self-healing and self-powered functionality. The mechanical properties of the hydrogel sensor can be modified by adjusting the polymer composition. Due to the multi-contact structure of nano-gold on the surface of microcapsules and the dynamic boronic ester bond interaction, the hydrogel sensor possesses precision self-healing capability. In addition, the hydrogel sensors demonstrate high sensitivity, which can accurately detect some subtle human motions, such as joint flexion. Importantly, the synthesized composite hydrogel exhibits self-powered performance, which could be helpful for rescue operations in outdoor or extreme environments. This study provides helpful results that can be used in the development of wearable soft electronics based on conductive hydrogels.

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