Preparation of Conductive Nanoweb through Electrospinning Followed by Electroless Silver-Plating and Its Application as Dry-Type Electrode for ECG Measurement

Abstract

In order to prepare a flexible dry-type electrode for electrocadiogram (ECG), conductive poly(vinylidene fluoride) [PVDF] was electrospun and silver-plated electrolessly. The surface morphology and the mechanical and electrical properties of the silver-plated nanowebs prepared under different plating conditions were evaluated. After silverplating, the prepared web was welded ultrasonically in order to improve the conductivity and the rubbing fastness. Drytype electrodes were fabricated into eyelet shape by using the ultrasonically welded silver-plated PVDF nanoweb, a sponge and a metal eyelet. Then, it was attached to a commercial sports brassiere top. The ECG of the wearer of the top was measured by the newly developed electrodes and the commercial Ag/AgCl gel electrodes while walking and running. The comparison reveals that the silver-plated PVDF nanowebs can be used as an electrode for ECG measurement.

Polyurethane nanoweb-based textile sensors treated with single-walled carbon nanotubes and silver nanowire

“…Because the ethanol was used as a kind of surfactant, the ethanol pre-treatment made a van der Waals interaction of CNTs, resulting in aggregation as well as the surface energy of the PU nanoweb lowering, in accordance with the results of Ahn et al. 5 The PU nanoweb has poor wettability due to its large surface tension. Its contact angle increases and it develops a hydrophobic surface because the nanoweb consists of individual fibers that reach hundreds of nanometers.…”

“…As the amount of SWCNT dispersion increased, the resistance decreased from 266.8 k to 32.38 k Ω/sq. However, the resistance was still too high to develop the textile sensors 5,6,9,12 ; thus, there is a need to add metallic nanomaterials to the SWCNT dispersion and apply them to the textiles to improve the electrical conductivity.…”

“…Materials employed in the development of textile sensors have mainly focused on metallic yarns and fibers, such as copper and silver, combined with techniques in nanotechnology. 3–9 Recently, however, a variety of non-metallic materials have been employed, including graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and intrinsically conductive polymers (ICPs). 8–16…”

Characteristics of polyurethane nanowebs treated with silver nanowire solutions as strain sensors

“…17 Nanowebs have a large surface area and are lightweight, with high porosity, allowing their use as filters, functional clothing materials, sensors, or scaffolds. 17 A number of studies aimed to fabricate nanoweb textile sensors utilizing polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composites for the purpose of developing dry electrodes for bio-potential monitoring, 18 electrocardiography monitoring, 19 and wearable piezoelectric sensors, 20 while research in nanoweb-based strain sensor has been limited. 21 Notably, we can expect advances in wearer comfort when polyurethane nanowebs are applied to clothing due to their breathability and outstanding stretchability.…”

An Introduction to PVDF Nanofibers Properties, and Ways to Improve Them, and Reviewing Output Enhancing Methods for PVDF Nanofibers Nanogenerators

“…The Sputtering of nickel is good because of its anti-corrosion, cheapness, and good conductivity. Still, for higher stability and cost efficiency, in-situ synthesis of nickel on layer is the best way (similar to done for PET fabric [103]) and due to good adhesion of nickel nanoparticles with layer, nowadays is attractive but sputtering is suitable for high productivity and is a dry method. For higher conductivity, using both copper and nickel is away.…”