Bio-inspired functional materials with special interfacial properties
File(s)
Author(s)
Li, Ming
Type
Thesis
Abstract
Nature's ingenuity in optimizing the interfacial and structural characteristics of organisms is a rich source of inspiration for biomimetic functional materials. By mimicking multi-scale hierarchical structures and interface designs found in nature, materials with unique interfacial properties in aqueous environments can be developed, advancing both science and technology. This thesis focuses on manipulating the interaction between solid surfaces and the third phase in aqueous environments, achieving interface adhesion/wetting control through structural and chemical design. The research explores two key biomimetic material developments:
1. Drawing inspiration from shark teeth distribution and natural oil-resistant surfaces, a shape-controllable Al2O3 substrate is created using sol dispersion/transfer and gel stereotyping/sintering methods. The substrate, hydrophilic in air, transforms into a superoleophobic surface underwater, exhibiting low oil adhesion. Its ceramic traits, including resistance to acids/alkalis, salt, and high loads, make it versatile for various liquid environments. Remarkably, even under specific wear conditions, the substrate retains its underwater super-oleophobicity due to the creation of new surfaces with similar surface roughness. This scalable approach offers a promising avenue for crafting practical underwater interfacial materials with enduring functionality.
2. Inspired by mussel's underwater wet adhesion mechanism, a sweat resistant bioelectronic skin sensor (SRBSS) is developed for detecting bioelectrical signals and limb movements with high sensitivity. This sensor exhibits strong adhesion to dry, oily, and sweaty human skin while maintaining stable and sensitive electrical signal responsiveness. The hydrogel sensor, with low swelling behavior and antibacterial properties, serves as an anti-sweating electronic skin interface for long-term real-time monitoring of bioelectric signals. Notably, it boasts high stretchability, rapid self-healing, covalent bonds remodeling, moisture-proofing, and anti-freezing capabilities, making it suitable for wearable anti-sweating bioelectronic sensors. This innovation offers a fresh perspective on designing wearable electronic sensors for human-computer interaction in complex conditions.
1. Drawing inspiration from shark teeth distribution and natural oil-resistant surfaces, a shape-controllable Al2O3 substrate is created using sol dispersion/transfer and gel stereotyping/sintering methods. The substrate, hydrophilic in air, transforms into a superoleophobic surface underwater, exhibiting low oil adhesion. Its ceramic traits, including resistance to acids/alkalis, salt, and high loads, make it versatile for various liquid environments. Remarkably, even under specific wear conditions, the substrate retains its underwater super-oleophobicity due to the creation of new surfaces with similar surface roughness. This scalable approach offers a promising avenue for crafting practical underwater interfacial materials with enduring functionality.
2. Inspired by mussel's underwater wet adhesion mechanism, a sweat resistant bioelectronic skin sensor (SRBSS) is developed for detecting bioelectrical signals and limb movements with high sensitivity. This sensor exhibits strong adhesion to dry, oily, and sweaty human skin while maintaining stable and sensitive electrical signal responsiveness. The hydrogel sensor, with low swelling behavior and antibacterial properties, serves as an anti-sweating electronic skin interface for long-term real-time monitoring of bioelectric signals. Notably, it boasts high stretchability, rapid self-healing, covalent bonds remodeling, moisture-proofing, and anti-freezing capabilities, making it suitable for wearable anti-sweating bioelectronic sensors. This innovation offers a fresh perspective on designing wearable electronic sensors for human-computer interaction in complex conditions.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2023-08
Date Awarded
2024-01
Copyright Statement
Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial Licence
License URL
Advisor
Saiz Gutierrez, Eduardo
Bouville, Florian
Sponsor
Imperial College London
Grant Number
01790264
Publisher Department
Materials
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)