Electron tunneling of hierarchically structured silver nanosatellite particles for highly conductive healable nanocomposites.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 32382034.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-020-15709-8 and PMC identifier 7206115.
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Abstract
Healable conductive materials have received considerable attention. However, their practical applications are impeded by low electrical conductivity and irreversible degradation after breaking/healing cycles. Here we report a highly conductive completely reversible electron tunneling-assisted percolation network of silver nanosatellite particles for putty-like moldable and healable nanocomposites. The densely and uniformly distributed silver nanosatellite particles with a bimodal size distribution are generated by the radical and reactive oxygen species-mediated vigorous etching and reduction reaction of silver flakes using tetrahydrofuran peroxide in a silicone rubber matrix. The close work function match between silicone and silver enables electron tunneling between nanosatellite particles, increasing electrical conductivity by ~5 orders of magnitude (1.02×10<sup>3</sup> Scm<sup>-1</sup>) without coalescence of fillers. This results in ~100% electrical healing efficiency after 1000 breaking/healing cycles and stability under water immersion and 6-month exposure to ambient air. The highly conductive moldable nanocomposite may find applications in improvising and healing electrical parts.