Microribbons composed of directionally self-assembled nanoflakes as highly stretchable ionic neural electrodes.

ABSTRACT: Many natural materials possess built-in structural variation, endowing them with superior performance. However, it is challenging to realize programmable structural variation in self-assembled synthetic materials since self-assembly processes usually generate uniform and ordered structures. Here, we report the formation of asymmetric microribbons composed of directionally self-assembled two-dimensional nanoflakes in a polymeric matrix during three-dimensional direct-ink printing. The printed ribbons with embedded structural variations show site-specific variance in their mechanical properties. Remarkably, the ribbons can spontaneously transform into ultrastretchable springs with controllable helical architecture upon stimulation. Such springs also exhibit superior nanoscale transport behav

SUBMITTER: Zhang M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7334571 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature