Flexible, multifunctional aerogel films based on PBO nanofibers and their application in wearable electronic devices

With the rapid development of wearable electronic devices, there is an increasing demand for lightweight, flexible, and flame-retardant electronic materials. Herein, flexible and porous aerogel films composed of poly(p-phenylenebenzobisoxazole) nanofibers (PBO-NFs) and carboxylated carbon nanotubes (CCNTs) were prepared using a sol-hydrogel-aerogel conversion method. By changing the ratio between the two components, we obtained aerogel films that met our different requirements. The prepared PBO-NF/CCNT(10%), with conductivity, conductive stability, superhydrophilicity, breathability, and flame retardancy, could be used as a pressure sensor. The sensor exhibited high sensitivity, wide detection range, and short response time and could monitor various physiological activities. After the in situ growth of Ni3(2,3,6,7,10,11-hexaiminotriphenylene)2 (Ni3(HITP)2) onto PBO-NF/CCNT(20%) for 2 h, the specific capacitance of the resulting PBO-NF/CCNT(20%)@Ni3(HITP)2(2h) was 78.9% higher than that of PBO-NF/CCNT(20%). The capacitance retention rate was as high as 94.4% after 10,000 cycles. This multifunctional aerogel film holds great promise for wearable electronic devices.