Work

PAM-co-VI-based bimetallic-doped single-network conductive hydrogel for stress sensing and ECG signal monitoring applications

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Polyacrylamide (PAM) based hydrogels are promising for soft strain sensor applications, while the incorporation of vinylimidazole (VI) endows the hydrogels with unique ion responsiveness and good biocompatibility. In this study, a high-performance PAM-co-VI/Ni/Co hydrogel was successfully fabricated through copolymerization of PAM with VI followed by modification with bimetallic nickel-cobalt ions. Experimental results demonstrate that when the VI content is 30% with a Ni/Co ion ratio of 3:1, the hydrogel exhibits remarkable comprehensive properties, with a tensile fracture strength of 0.46 MPa, an ultrahigh fracture strain of 1800%, a tensile sensitivity of 4.62, and long-term durability exceeding 1000 cycles. Furthermore, the hydrogel shows high pressure sensitivity (0.059 kPa -1 in the 0-5 kPa range), enabling precise detection of various mechanical signals from acoustic vibrations to complex human motions. Owing to its superior conductivity and biocompatibility, the PAM-co-VI/Ni/Co hydrogel also functions as a flexible electrode for electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring, achieving conformal skin contact while stably acquiring high signal-to-noise ratio ECG waveforms with accurate identification of P-waves, Q, R, and S waves (QRS complexes), and other key features, demonstrating great potential for wearable health monitoring applications. • Innovative PAM-co-VI/Ni/Co hydrogel with ion responsiveness and biocompatibility was fabricated. • The hydrogel exhibited high mechanical properties. • The hydrogel has precise sensing of acoustic vibrations to human motions. • The hydrogel is ideal for wearable health monitoring with integrated performances.

Source: Polymer Testing

DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2025.109025

Authors: Yingying Zhang, Cancan Yang, Chongyue Bai, Xuanye Wang, Chao Feng, Huige Wei

Institutions: Tianjin University, Tianjin Chest Hospital, Tianjin University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,370