Durable washable wearable antibacterial thermoplastic polyurethane/carbon nanotube@silver nanoparticles electrospun membrane strain sensors by multi-conductive network

Highly stretchable strain sensors with high sensitivity, wide sensing range, and high durability have broader application prospects in the fields of wearable sensors, electronic skin, and soft robots. However, it is still challenging to fabricate strain sensors with high sensitivity, wide working range, excellent durability, and antibacterial properties. Herein, a highly stretchable and porous thermoplastic polyurethane/carbon nanotube@silver nanoparticles (TPU/CNT@AgNPs) strain sensor was facilely prepared by electrospinning combined with dip coating CNT and reduction of AgNO 3 . The TPU/CNT@AgNPs strain sensor exhibited high sensitivity (the maximum gauge factor of 930), favorable conductivity (539.7 S m −1 ), wide sensing range (0.1 ~ 500% strain), a fast response time (100 ms at 1% strain), high dynamic response performance (2400 mm/min), air permeability, and antibacterial activity, due to the synergetic effect of the multi-conductive network between CNT and AgNPs. Benefiting from the in situ generated AgNPs and the π–π interaction between the benzene ring structure of TPU and CNT, the TPU/CNT@AgNPs strain sensor exhibited excellent durability (1400 cycles for 200% strain) and could work even after being immersed in harsh conditions (acidic and alkaline solution). Besides, the strain sensor can be successfully employed in monitoring human motion from tiny pulse beats to large bending movements of fingers, wrists, and knees. This work provides a feasible approach to preparing a strain sensor with outstanding overall performance, which has a perspective and alluring application in the realm of wearable electronics. Graphical Abstract Highly stretchable TPU/CNT@AgNPs strain sensor with high sensitivity was prepared by dipping CNT and AgNPs reduction on electrospun TPU mat.