Stretchable Double-Layer Electrode for Full Coverage and Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stretchable electrodes face challenges with low coverage, which limits their flexibility and efficiency in charge extraction and sensing, making them unsuitable for various applications that require high coverage and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A double-layer structure comprising a silver nanowire thin film layer and a gold thin film layer on a substrate, such as polydimethylsiloxane, with the gold layer having a thickness of 50 to 300 nm, formed through spin-coating and thermal deposition, respectively, to enhance coverage and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a nanowire single layer is used, then flexibility is high, but charge extraction and sensing efficiency are low due to low coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines silver nanowires (AgNW) and gold thin film (Au) into a composite double-layer structure. The AgNW layer provides flexibility and stretchability, while the Au layer provides high coverage and excellent conductivity. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by integrating the advantages of both materials: the nanowire network maintains flexibility while the metal thin film ensures high coverage and charge extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two separate electrode structures (nanowire mesh and metal thin film) into a unified double-layer electrode. The AgNW layer and Au layer are combined through thermal deposition, creating an integrated structure where the Au layer is formed on top of the AgNW network. This merging allows the electrode to simultaneously achieve high flexibility from the nanowire layer and high coverage from the metal film layer.
2Reliability
If a metal thin film single layer is used, then charge extraction efficiency is high, but flexibility is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure where a flexible AgNW network serves as the base layer and a conductive Au thin film is deposited on top. The AgNW layer provides the necessary flexibility and stretchability, while the Au layer provides high coverage and excellent electrical conductivity for charge extraction. This composite approach allows the electrode to maintain flexibility while achieving high charge extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin film technology to create a Au layer with thickness of 50-300 nm that can conform to the flexible AgNW substrate. This thin film structure maintains the flexibility of the underlying nanowire network while providing continuous coverage for efficient charge extraction. The thin film approach ensures the electrode remains flexible rather than rigid.
3Reliability
If coverage is increased to 100%, then performance is maximized, but additional processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the formation of the AgNW layer and Au layer into an integrated double-layer structure through thermal deposition. This merging of layers achieves 100% coverage and maximized performance without requiring separate curved patterning processes or high concentration wire treatments. The thermal deposition process naturally forms a continuous Au layer on the AgNW network, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical processes (curved patterning, high concentration wire assembly) with a thermal deposition process. The thermal deposition method allows the Au layer to be deposited conformally on the AgNW network, achieving full coverage through a straightforward vapor deposition process rather than complex mechanical assembly or patterning steps.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The double-layer structure achieves 100% coverage and stability under strain, maintaining high conductivity and flexibility, suitable for diverse applications including biosignal extraction and flexible displays, while avoiding the limitations of single-layer electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
forming a silver nanowire (AgNW) thin film layer on a substrate using the silver nanowire solution; The AgNW thin film layer may be formed by applying the silver nanowire solution to the substrate through spin-coating
Implementation Method 2
forming a gold (Au) thin film layer on the AgNW thin film layer; The Au thin film layer may be formed by thermal deposition
Implementation Method 3
the substrate may include polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), silicone rubber or hydrogel, and the substrate may contain a hydroxyl group introduced into the surface thereof; The substrate may be treated with UV-ozone
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a high performance stretchable electrode having a double layer structure with flexibility and high coverage, as well as a manufacturing method thereof. The stretchable electrode of the present invention has excellent performance based on high coverage. Therefore, the present invention may provide a high performance stretchable electrode with high conductivity and low gauge factor by selectively adjusting flexibility of the electrode.