Work

Body temperature-triggered phase change dry electrode for long-term comfort electroencephalography monitoring

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Electrodes are crucial for long-term electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring. Dry electrodes eliminate issues of dehydration, skin irritation, and non-reusability that are associated with wet electrodes. However, overly soft dry electrodes cannot penetrate dense hair, while overly hard electrodes compromise comfort and signal quality. Here, we report a body temperature-triggered, phase change dry electrode to address these problems. The electrode, made from a polymer composite with crystalline region and silver flakes, is rigid at room temperature, allowing it to pass through hair. Upon contact with the scalp, body temperature melts the crystalline region, significantly reducing the modulus, thereby enhancing comfort and reducing contact impedance. This phase transition also transforms the electrode into a pressure sensitive adhesive, ensuring the stable contact. Additionally, its shape memory effect enables the electrode to return to its original shape, making it reusable. The reported electrodes exhibit superior signal quality and stability in long-term EEG monitoring.

Source: National Science Open

DOI: 10.1360/nso/20240025

Authors: Zekai Wang, Haokun Yi, Zhuo Li

Institution: Fudan University

Language: English

Topic: EEG and Brain-Computer Interfaces

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Fudan University