Cat-tail-like mesostructured silica fibers decorated with gold nanowires: synthesis, characterization, and application as stretchable sensors

Invited for this month's cover are the collaborating groups of Prof. Xiaojun Han from Harbin Institute of Technology, China and Prof. Wenlong Cheng from Monash University, Australia. The cover picture shows how a stretchable sensor made from a 3D structure comprising mesostructured silica fibers decorated with gold nanowires exhibits reliable resistance signals for real-time response to radial artery blood pulses. This work reinforces the idea of smart material hybridization and may offer flexible materials for real-time, in situ health monitoring applications. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cplu.201900043.