Toughened cellulose aerogel sustainable electronics with strain-pressure decoupling monitoring and thermochromic visualization

The advancement of biobased electronics ushers unprecedented opportunities in medical wearables and soft robotics. However, the limitations of mechanical properties for biobased materials pose challenges in achieving wide sensing range, unique practical stability, and accurate measurement. Herein, an eco-friendly cellulose aerogel-based electronic system integrated with double-sided patterned silver nanowires and thermochromic microcapsules for dual-mode sensing and Joule heating visualization is developed. By a simple toughening strategy of methyltrimethoxysilane chemical vapor deposition, the CNF/HPC/PVA (cellulose nanofiber/hydroxypropyl cellulose/poly(vinyl alcohol)) aerogel displays an increased tensile strength (increased by 95 %) and reduced compressive plasticity (decreased by 55 %). Furthermore, the electronics allow to decouple complex mechanical stimuli by incorporating resistive strain-sensing and capacitive pressure-sensing with ultra-wide range (25–919 kPa) and high linearity (0.98). This system also provides a visual indication of temperature ranging from 18 ℃ to 65 ℃. The utilization of the biocompatible electronics enables visualization of hyperthermia treatment temperature, and pressure-monitoring/relieving integrated insole for patients with diabetic foot. This structural design is expected to bring transformative changes in the next-generation flexible bio-electronics.