Temperature-resistant hydrogel wearable sensors and thermoelectric devices
Loading...
Date
2024-01-25
Authors
Su, Zhe
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Waterloo
Abstract
With the rapid advancements in biosensing and healthcare technology, traditional
polymer and semiconductor sensors and electronic devices are increasingly unable to meet
people's needs. As researchers delve deeper into the study of quasi-solid and flexible materials,
hydrogel materials have gradually gained prominence. Hydrogels, characterized by their high
flexibility, elasticity, and biocompatibility, have become one of the preferred materials for
wearable, flexible sensors, and electronic devices. Furthermore, their promising thermoelectric
properties and environmental friendliness make them highly suitable materials for quasi-solid
thermoelectric devices. However, hydrogels still face challenges in terms of poor temperature
resistance in cold and hot region, limiting their application across a wide temperature range. In
this thesis, hydrogels with enhanced mechanical performance and conductivity, specifically
PVA/TA/Chitin hydrogels, were synthesized. The introduction of an ionic liquid was used to
improve the low-temperature resistance of these hydrogels, enabling their application as
wearable, flexible sensors in low-temperature environments. Additionally, gelatin-based
hydrogel thermoelectric cells were synthesized. Through the introduction and selection of
soluble ions, the thermoelectric performance and heat resistance of these hydrogel
thermoelectric cells were enhanced, potentially facilitating their use in high-temperature
applications.