Figueira Cheese‐Inspired Hierarchical Nanocomposites: Combining Ultralow Percolation and Breathability Toward Full‐Lifecycle Circular Epidermal Electronics

View at publisher
Authors: Kangjia Geng, Yuduo Zhang, Mengting Zheng, Chuai Tian, Yuyang Zhou, Hao Qiu, Chang Zhou, Jiayu Hou, Haijun Zhu, Yuchen Wang, Yidong Peng, Hailong Liu
+6 more Guanzheng Wu, Steve Park, Yongsheng Luo, Yunpeng Huang, Jiancheng Dong, Tianxi Liu
Cited by: 5
References: 45

Abstract

ABSTRACT Simultaneously achieving high electrical conductivity, mechanical compliance, and breathability remains a critical bottleneck for epidermal electronics. Conventional composites typically suffer from trade‐offs between filler loading and softness while often lacking necessary permeability or recyclability. Here, we report a sustainable phase‐separated nanocomposite mimicking the hierarchical porous texture of Figueira cheese. Our synthesis leverages distinct solvent solubility and volatility differences to orchestrate a kinetic phase separation, driving silver nanowires to self‐assemble along a porous elastomer skeleton. This architecture decouples electrical performance from mechanical constraints, exhibiting a high conductivity of 2.8 × 10 5 S m − 1 and a water vapor transmission rate exceeding 1200 g m − 2 day − 1 . Additionally, its Young's modulus of 0.45 MPa (Shore A hardness 28) ensures intimate conformity to skin. Featuring an ultralow percolation threshold of 0.00119 vol% and exceptional strain insensitivity, the nanocomposite enables stable Joule heating and electrophysiological monitoring. Crucially, the material supports efficient closed‐loop recycling, recovering both elastomer and fillers. Even after 4 life cycles, it retains over 75% conductivity and fully preserves functionality for high‐fidelity electrophysiological monitoring. This work establishes a paradigm for sustainable, high‐performance epidermal electronics.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials Nanomaterials and Printing Technologies Solar-Powered Water Purification Methods

Publication details

Journal / source
Advanced Functional Materials
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
36
Issue
46
Publication date
13 April 2026
Language
EN