A three-dimensional liquid diode for soft, integrated permeable electronics

Binbin Zhang, Jiyu Li, Jingkun Zhou, Lung Chow, Guangyao Zhao, Ya Huang, Zhiqiang Ma, Qiang Zhang, Yawen Yang, Chun Ki Yiu, Jian Li, Fengjun Chun, Xingcan Huang, Yuyu Gao, Pengcheng Wu, Shengxin Jia, Hu Li, Dengfeng Li, Yiming Liu, Kuanming Yao, Rui Shi, Zhenlin Chen, Bee Luan Khoo, Weiqing Yang, Feng Wang, Zijian Zheng, Zuankai Wang and Xinge Yu ()
Additional contact information
Binbin Zhang: City University of Hong Kong
Jiyu Li: City University of Hong Kong
Jingkun Zhou: City University of Hong Kong
Lung Chow: City University of Hong Kong
Guangyao Zhao: City University of Hong Kong
Ya Huang: City University of Hong Kong
Zhiqiang Ma: City University of Hong Kong
Qiang Zhang: City University of Hong Kong
Yawen Yang: City University of Hong Kong
Chun Ki Yiu: City University of Hong Kong
Jian Li: City University of Hong Kong
Fengjun Chun: City University of Hong Kong
Xingcan Huang: City University of Hong Kong
Yuyu Gao: City University of Hong Kong
Pengcheng Wu: City University of Hong Kong
Shengxin Jia: City University of Hong Kong
Hu Li: City University of Hong Kong
Dengfeng Li: City University of Hong Kong
Yiming Liu: City University of Hong Kong
Kuanming Yao: City University of Hong Kong
Rui Shi: City University of Hong Kong
Zhenlin Chen: City University of Hong Kong
Bee Luan Khoo: City University of Hong Kong
Weiqing Yang: Southwest Jiaotong University
Feng Wang: City University of Hong Kong
Zijian Zheng: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Zuankai Wang: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Xinge Yu: City University of Hong Kong

Nature, 2024, vol. 628, issue 8006, 84-92

Abstract: Abstract Wearable electronics with great breathability enable a comfortable wearing experience and facilitate continuous biosignal monitoring over extended periods1–3. However, current research on permeable electronics is predominantly at the stage of electrode and substrate development, which is far behind practical applications with comprehensive integration with diverse electronic components (for example, circuitry, electronics, encapsulation)4–8. Achieving permeability and multifunctionality in a singular, integrated wearable electronic system remains a formidable challenge. Here we present a general strategy for integrated moisture-permeable wearable electronics based on three-dimensional liquid diode (3D LD) configurations. By constructing spatially heterogeneous wettability, the 3D LD unidirectionally self-pumps the sweat from the skin to the outlet at a maximum flow rate of 11.6 ml cm−2 min−1, 4,000 times greater than the physiological sweat rate during exercise, presenting exceptional skin-friendliness, user comfort and stable signal-reading behaviour even under sweating conditions. A detachable design incorporating a replaceable vapour/sweat-discharging substrate enables the reuse of soft circuitry/electronics, increasing its sustainability and cost-effectiveness. We demonstrated this fundamental technology in both advanced skin-integrated electronics and textile-integrated electronics, highlighting its potential for scalable, user-friendly wearable devices.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07161-1

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