journal article·2026-05-15Open access

A Supramolecular Reversible and Anisotropic Conductive Adhesive for Flexible Electronics

Tongtong Li, Yahui Zhao, Ying Zhang, Yuquan Li, Xuan Ye, Hongyun Qiu, Zhaorui Zhang, Jiang‐Fei Xu, Shaobo Ji

Abstract

ABSTRACT Stretchable sensors are widely used in wearable devices and flexible electronics for their unique advantages in flexibility. However, assembling and integrating stretchable devices face challenges due to the low deformation tolerance of soft‐rigid connections. Moreover, in manufacturing flexible electronics, convenient and reversible connections like soldering that enable on‐demand replacement of soft units remain unavailable. Here, we report a supramolecular conductive adhesive (SCA) based on a nanocomposite of thermoresponsive polymers and conductive fillers. SCA applies to diverse substrates such as plastics, rubbers, and metals with robust mechanical connections and stable anisotropic electrical conductivity. SCA‐connected stretchable systems exhibit excellent tensile tolerance, with Au@SEBS connected to rigid units achieving mechanical stretchability exceeding 300% strain and electrical stretchability over 80% strain. SCA is also directly applicable to traditional electronic components, with reusability resembling traditional solders. At 80°C, SCA can be reversibly detached, and without renewal, SCA maintains its original connection strength and electrical stretchability over 5 reuse cycles. The reversible connections enable on‐demand replacement of stretchable units in flexible electronics for device repair or customization. This reduces the cost of flexible electronics and significantly extends their overall service life, holding broad potential in the more sustainable production of flexible electronics.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials · Nanomaterials and Printing Technologies · Conducting polymers and applications

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

State Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Interfacial Materials Science Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM) Soochow University Suzhou China

College of Nano Science and Technology (CNST) Soochow University Suzhou China

Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics & Molecular Engineering Department of Chemistry Tsinghua University Beijing China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China · Basic Research Program of Jiangsu Province

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