Highly elastic, permeable liquid metal–iron fibre mat conductor for electrophysiological monitoring

Abstract

Liquid metal-based stretchable conductors have garnered significant attention for their broad applications in bioelectronics, wearable devices and soft robotics. However, challenges such as poor wettability of liquid metal, limited recyclability and generally complex fabrication processes hinder their practical adoption. In this research, we present a highly elastic, permeable liquid metal–iron fibre mat conductor engineered to overcome the abovementioned limitations. By coating fibre mats with a blend of liquid metal and iron powder, the resulting conductor demonstrates exceptional performance characteristics, such as outstanding stretchability (capable of withstanding 1130 % strain), excellent permeability (792.71 g m −2 day −1 ), high electrical conductivity (12105 S cm −1 ) and extraordinary electromechanical stability (maintaining performance for over 5000 cycles at 100% strain). Notably, the liquid metal and iron powder can be fully recycled for use in new devices. To emphasise its potential in transformative healthcare technologies, we demonstrate the conductor’s efficacy in long-term, continuous, high-fidelity electrophysiological monitoring—paving the way for advanced solutions in early disease detection and treatment. • A new highly elastic, permeable LMiron fiber mat conductor was designed. • LMiron conductor exhibited exceptional mechanical-electronical properties. • Long-term, continuous, high-fidelity electrophysiological monitoring was performed.