Preparation of Flexible Electrodes Based on Silver Nanoparticles-Carbon Nanotubes (AgNPs-CNTs) and Elastomer Composites for Soft Electronics

Abstract

For flexible electronics devices, a composite of silver nanoparticles-carbon nanotubes (AgNPs-CNTs) and polydimethylsiloxane elastomer were well mixed using a planetary mixer and a 3-roll mill. The ratio of Ag/polymer was varied by adding different size of AgNPs and modified with 12 kinds of flexible electrode compositions. The electrical and mechanical stability of the electrode was measured by combining universal test machine and cyclic voltammetry at once and it showed remarkable stability during 200% strain and 100 cycle duration test. The stable and repeatable electrical circuit was demonstrated while bending and stretching the electrode even higher than 120% strain. Furthermore, the soft gripper incorporating a flexible electrode was fabricated to lift a thin target paper based on electroadhesive force.