A highly transparent and ultra-stretchable conductor with stable conductivity during large deformation

Abstract

Intrinsically stretchable conductors have undergone rapid development in the past few years and a variety of strategies have been established to improve their electro-mechanical properties. However, ranging from electronically to ionically conductive materials, they are usually vulnerable either to large deformation or at high/low temperatures, mainly due to the fact that conductive domains are generally incompatible with neighboring elastic networks. This is a problem that is usually overlooked and remains challenging to address. Here, we introduce synergistic effect between conductive zwitterionic nanochannels and dynamic hydrogen-bonding networks to break the limitations. The conductor is highly transparent (>90% transmittance), ultra-stretchable (>10,000% strain), high-modulus (>2 MPa Young's modulus), self-healing, and capable of maintaining stable conductivity during large deformation and at different temperatures. Transparent integrated systems are further demonstrated via 3D printing of its precursor and could achieve diverse sensory capabilities towards strain, temperature, humidity, etc., and even recognition of different liquids.