Graphene-based wearable sensors

Nanoscale. 2019 Nov 7;11(41):18923-18945. doi: 10.1039/c9nr05532k. Epub 2019 Sep 18.

Abstract

The human body is a "delicate machine" full of sensors such as the fingers, nose, and mouth. In addition, numerous physiological signals are being created every moment, which can reflect the condition of the body. The quality and the quantity of the physiological signals are important for diagnoses and the execution of therapies. Due to the incompact interface between the sensors and the skin, the signals obtained by commercial rigid sensors do not bond well with the body; this decreases the quality of the signal. To increase the quantity of the data, it is important to detect physiological signals in real time during daily life. In recent years, there has been an obvious trend of applying graphene devices with excellent performance (flexibility, biocompatibility, and electronic characters) in wearable systems. In this review, we will first provide an introduction about the different methods of synthesis of graphene, and then techniques for graphene patterning will be outlined. Moreover, wearable graphene sensors to detect mechanical, electrophysiological, fluid, and gas signals will be introduced. Finally, the challenges and prospects of wearable graphene devices will be discussed. Wearable graphene sensors can improve the quality and quantity of the physiological signals and have great potential for health-care and telemedicine in the future.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Body Fluids / chemistry
  • Electroencephalography
  • Electromyography
  • Gases / analysis
  • Graphite / chemical synthesis
  • Graphite / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Lasers
  • Movement
  • Plasma Gases / chemistry
  • Wearable Electronic Devices*

Substances

  • Gases
  • Plasma Gases
  • Graphite