Bioinspired Flexible Epidermal Electronics with Superior Gas Permeability and Unidirectional Water Transport Capability.

Abstract

Epidermal electronics are extensively used in human-machine interfaces and wearable sensors. However, managing sweat and gas permeability at the skin-device interface to ensure comfort and prevent skin damage during prolonged use remains a key challenge. Inspired by the fog collection mechanism of cactus spines and trichomes, this work develops a biomimetic, flexible epidermal electronic device with high gas permeability and unidirectional water transport capability. The device exhibits excellent flexibility (Young's modulus: 0.02 MPa), breathability (electrode: 3551.63 g day^-1 m^-2, substrate: 3795.38 g day^-1 m^-2), unidirectional water transport (1.09 s), and antigravity water transport (2.50 s). Notably, during continuous sweating (5 h) and extended wear (7 days), it demonstrates outstanding electromyography (EMG) signal acquisition, with a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) approximately 58 times higher than that of commercial electrodes. This offers promising potential for advancing high-performance, wearable human-machine interface electronics.