Scalable and Degradable Dextrin-Based Elastomers for Wearable Touch Sensing

Abstract

Elastomer-based wearables can improve people's lives; however, frictional wear caused by manipulation may pose significant concerns regarding their durability and sustainability. To address the aforementioned issue, a new class of advanced scalable supersoft elastic transparent material (ASSETm) is reported, which offers a unique combination of scalability (20 g scale), stretchability (up to 235%), and enzymatic degradability (up to 65% in 30 days). The key feature of our design is to render native dextrin hydrophobic, which turns it into a macroinitiator for bulk ring-opening polymerization. Based on ASSETm, a self-powered touch sensor (ASSETm−TS) for touch sensing and non-contact approaching detection, possessing excellent electrical potential (up to 65 V) and rapid response time (60 ms), is fabricated. This work is a step toward developing sustainable soft electronic systems, and ASSETm's tunability enables further improvement of electrical outputs, enhancing human-interactive applications.

Triazabicyclodecene: A versatile catalyst for polymer synthesis

“…In cases where cellulose was poorly soluble, the researchers employed alternative solvent systems such as ionic liquids 265 or CO 2 switchable solvents 267 to facilitate the transesterification process. The modification of dextrin was also reported with catalytic TBD for bio‐based wearable film fabrication 270 …”

“…TBD-catalyzed transesterification has gained popularity for functionalizing cellulose and starch (Scheme 75). [265][266][267][268][269][270] Researchers such as Barner-Kowollik and Meier have explored the use of TBD for transesterification reactions involving cellulose hydroxy groups and metal esters. 265 In their studies, primary alcohols, which are less sterically hindered, typically achieved full conversion to esters through TBD-catalyzed transesterification.…”

“…The modification of dextrin was also reported with catalytic TBD for bio-based wearable film fabrication. 270…”

Lightweight Triboelectric Nanogenerators Based on Hollow Stellate Cellulose Films Derived from Juncus effusus L. Aerenchyma

“…[ 10 ] Although many materials have been studied or used as friction parts, [ 7,11–20 ] the replacement of petroleum‐based, nonrecyclable organic friction materials with renewable, natural materials that are fully biocompatible, biodegradable, or recyclable is still crucial in the current energy crisis and environmental pollution situation. [ 21,22 ]…”

“…[10] Although many materials have been studied or used as friction parts, [7,[11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] the replacement of petroleum-based, nonrecyclable organic friction materials with renewable, natural materials that are fully biocompatible, biodegradable, or recyclable is still crucial in the current energy crisis and environmental pollution situation. [21,22] Cellulose-based triboelectric nanogenerators have had the most significant achievements among reported biomass-derived nanogenerators. This is due to the outstanding advantages of cellulose, which include widespread availability, renewability, biodegradability, biocompatibility, low cost, versatility, and frictional electrical activity.…”