Microengineered Hollow Graphene Tube Systems Generate Conductive Hydrogels with Extremely Low Filler Concentration

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Christine Arndt - , Kiel University, Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Margarethe Hauck - , Kiel University (Author)
  • Irene Wacker - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Berit Zeller-Plumhoff - , Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon (Author)
  • Florian Rasch - , Kiel University (Author)
  • Mohammadreza Taale - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Ali Shaygan Nia - , Chair of Molecular Functional Materials (cfaed) (Author)
  • Xinliang Feng - , Chair of Molecular Functional Materials (cfaed) (Author)
  • Rainer Adelung - , Kiel University (Author)
  • Rasmus R. Schröder - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Fabian Schütt - , Kiel University (Author)
  • Christine Selhuber-Unkel - , Heidelberg University , Max Planck School Matter to Life (Author)

Abstract

The fabrication of electrically conductive hydrogels is challenging as the introduction of an electrically conductive filler often changes mechanical hydrogel matrix properties. Here, we present an approach for the preparation of hydrogel composites with outstanding electrical conductivity at extremely low filler loadings (0.34 S m-1, 0.16 vol %). Exfoliated graphene and polyacrylamide are microengineered to 3D composites such that conductive graphene pathways pervade the hydrogel matrix similar to an artificial nervous system. This makes it possible to combine both the exceptional conductivity of exfoliated graphene and the adaptable mechanical properties of polyacrylamide. The demonstrated approach is highly versatile regarding porosity, filler material, as well as hydrogel system. The important difference to other approaches is that we keep the original properties of the matrix, while ensuring conductivity through graphene-coated microchannels. This novel approach of generating conductive hydrogels is very promising, with particular applications in the fields of bioelectronics and biohybrid robotics.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3690-3697
Number of pages8
JournalNano letters
Volume21
Issue number8
Publication statusPublished - 28 Apr 2021
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 33724848