Tailoring Strain\nSensor Performance by Biwetting–Dewetting\nAssembly

The\nperformance indices of nanomaterial-based strain sensors are\ntypically mutually constrained; however, diverse applications necessitate\ncustomizable sensing performance for reliable detection. Programming\nthe performance of strain sensors using simple methods and materials\nremains a significant challenge. Here, we report a biwetting–dewetting\n(BWD) assembly method for fabricating programmable strain sensors\nutilizing silver nanowire (AgNW)-based composites on polydimethylsiloxane\n(PDMS). The BWD assembly was conducted on a highly heterogeneous PDMS\nsurface achieved by oxidation treatment. Patterned AgNWs can self-assemble\non the PDMS via a wetting–dewetting process during spin coating.\nBy leveraging the permeability of the AgNW network, a second ink of\nadhesive molecules, brittle polymers, MXene, or liquid metal particles\ncan be selectively deposited on the AgNW patterns through the same\nwetting–dewetting process. The straightforward BWD method provides\nunparalleled tunability of sensitivity and stretchability, allowing\nfor modulation of sensitivity (gauge factor: 2.3 to 3.1 × 10<sup>6</sup>) by 2 to 6 orders of magnitude within 100% strain. With this\ncustomized performance, the AgNW-based sensors demonstrate reliable\ndetection capabilities for sound vibration and various physiological\nmotions. The BWD method introduces an innovative approach to tailoring\nstrain sensor performance and holds potential applicability in assembling\nother nanomaterials for stretchable electronics.