Flexible, Conductive, and Antimicrobial Plastic Films Using Ionic Liquid@PVDF-HFP for Epidermal Electromyographic Monitoring During Physical Exercises

Skin electronics endeavor to achieve the noninvasive collection of electrophysiological signals and hold vital significance for human health monitoring and medical diagnostics. However, collecting electromyographic (EMG) signals during physical exercises has remained difficult. Herein, we report a conductive plastic film that possesses prolonged, stable conductive performance in an ambient environment and is flexible to conform to human skin, effectively transmitting epidermal EMG signals. The film is prepared from poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) doped with 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate (EMIOTf). The dislocation of the ions in the film in response to an external electric field transmits electric potential effectively. Dynamic, multiple types of intermolecular interactions enable swift translocation of the ionic species and, at the same time, ensure the stability of the polymer composite in air and even in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Efficient antibacterial performance is simultaneously displayed by the conductive plastic film. This work may introduce concepts and methodologies for the design of flexible skin electrodes and offer a viable avenue for innovative applications of wearable electronic devices.