Revolutionary 3D-Printed Carbon Nanotube Sensors for Health Monitoring Developed by Seoul National University Researchers

Innovative 3D-Printed Carbon Nanotube Sensors for Health Monitoring

Researchers from the Seoul National University of Science and Technology have recently made significant advancements in the field of smart health monitoring by developing a new type of sensor leveraging carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The study was aimed at addressing the inherent challenges associated with incorporating CNTs into flexible electronics, wearable devices, and soft robotics.

Traditionally, the integration of CNTs into polymer-based composites has posed significant obstacles, primarily due to their tendency to clump together, which hinders uniform dispersion. This limitation has further complicated the quest for enhanced electrical properties and stretchability in materials. To tackle these issues, the research team explored the possibilities offered by additive manufacturing (AM) techniques, particularly vat photopolymerization (VPP).

The Power of Additive Manufacturing

VPP is a 3D printing method that utilizes light to cure layers of resin to create highly intricate structures. Its precision and flexibility make it an appealing option for creating complex devices. However, incorporating CNTs into the material used for VPP presents unique challenges, such as maintaining optimal curing properties and achieving a delicate balance of stretchability and conductivity.

Guided by Professor Keun Park and Associate Professor Soonjae Pyo from the Department of Mechanical System Design Engineering, the team focused on optimizing CNT nanocomposites specifically for the VPP process. These optimizations enable the fabrication of highly complex structures that promise reliable performance in wearable health monitoring devices.

Creating Advanced Piezoresistive Sensors

In preparation for their work, the researchers developed polymer nanocomposite inks by incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into an aliphatic urethane diacrylate (AUD) resin in varying concentrations. They utilized ultrasonic agitation to ensure uniform dispersion, a crucial step in achieving the desired performance of the sensors. Following a series of tests to evaluate the mechanical and electrical properties and the printing resolution of the test materials, the formulation with 0.9 weight% CNT exhibited outstanding results. This variant demonstrated not only excellent stretchability, capable of extending to 223% of its initial length before breakage, but also achieved superior conductivity at 1.64 × 10−3 S/m, outpacing previous research outcomes.

Pioneering Smart Health Technologies

To showcase the practical applications of their work, the researchers manufactured flexible piezoresistive sensors based on triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS). These sensors were designed for integration into a smart insole, which allows for real-time monitoring of pressure distribution under the foot. This technology will enable users to observe their movements and postures with much greater accuracy. Professor Pyo underscored the significance of their findings, stating that the deployment of such CNT nanocomposites can pave the way for the development of the next generation of highly stretchable and conductive materials necessary for wearable health monitors and other flexible electronics.

Future Implications and Conclusion

As the field of wearable health technology continues to grow, the research conducted by the Seoul National University team showcases the pivotal role that advanced materials like CNT nanocomposites can play. The ability to create customized, high-performance sensors through innovative manufacturing processes provides exciting possibilities for facilitating health monitoring and enhancing patient care.

The findings have been documented in the journal Composite Structures, with an original paper released on August 25, 2025, detailing their methods and results. This exploration into 3D-printed health technology is just the beginning of what may become a revolution in flexible electronics, underscoring the relevance and potential of research in modern material sciences.