Electron tunneling of hierarchically structured silver nanosatellite particles for highly conductive healable nanocomposites

Abstract

Healable conductive materials have received considerable attention. However, their practical applications are impeded by low electrical conductivity and irreversible degradation after breaking/healing cycles. Here we report a highly conductive completely reversible electron tunneling-assisted percolation network of silver nanosatellite particles for putty-like moldable and healable nanocomposites. The densely and uniformly distributed silver nanosatellite particles with a bimodal size distribution are generated by the radical and reactive oxygen species-mediated vigorous etching and reduction reaction of silver flakes using tetrahydrofuran peroxide in a silicone rubber matrix. The close work function match between silicone and silver enables electron tunneling between nanosatellite particles, increasing electrical conductivity by~5 orders of magnitude (1.02×10 3 Scm −1) without coalescence of fillers. This results in~100% electrical healing efficiency after 1000 breaking/healing cycles and stability under water immersion and 6-month exposure to ambient air. The highly conductive moldable nanocomposite may find applications in improvising and healing electrical parts.

Highly Conductive Strong Healable Nanocomposites via Diels–Alder Reaction and Filler‐Polymer Covalent Bifunctionalization

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The covalent bonding typically provided greater mechanical strength, [12,16,[24][25][26][27][28] while weaker non-covalent bonding has been extensively investigated for healable materials. [1][2][3][4][5]18,[20][21][22][29][30][31][32][33] Different healing mechanisms were also employed together in the polymer framework, achieving high mechanical strength and efficient healing. [12] On the other hand, electrically conductive nanoparticulate fillers were physically embedded in the polymer matrix in most healable nanocomposites, without covalently bonding with the polymer matrix and actively participating in the healing process.

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Abrasion and Fracture Self‐Healable Triboelectric Nanogenerator with Ultrahigh Stretchability and Long‐Term Durability

“…High chain mobility is beneficial for the uniform dispersion of conducting particles and hence endows the electrode with flexibility (Figure S4, Supporting Information). [30][31][32] The stress-strain curve demonstrates that the introduction of nanometer silver power does not affect its stretchability and also improves the tensile stress (Figure 2c). Moreover, the high chain mobility of PDMS-PU 0.4 -PA 0.6 -Zn contributes to high conductivity even at a stretched state (Figures S5 and S6, Supporting Information).…”

Engineering “JiaoJiao” (maltose syrup) with chopsticks: From traditional Chinese sweet food to skin-like iontronics

“…As shown in Fig. 1d, it can be pinched with hands into various shapes, such as sphere, pentagram, swan, and spiral, like silly putty or playdough [32,33]. Also, when the aerated maltose syrup is sandwiched between two acrylic elastomer tapes (VHB 4905, 3M), a tight interface contact is maintained even when the material is stretched (Fig.…”