A High-Wet-Strength Biofilm for Readable and Highly Sensitive Humidity Sensors

Nano Lett. 2021 Nov 10;21(21):9030-9037. doi: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c02452. Epub 2021 Oct 26.

Abstract

Low-cost and flexible biofilm humidity sensors with good wet strength are crucial for humidity detection. However, it remains a great challenge to integrate good reversibility, rapid humidity response, and robust humid mechanical strength in one sensor. In this respect, we report a facile method to prepare a sustainable biofilm (named MC film) from sisal cellulose microcrystals (MSF-g-COOH) and citric acid (CA). After cross-linking with CA, the MC film exhibits excellent wet strength and rapid humidity response. More importantly, MC film can be used over a wide temperature range with excellent durability and reversibility for humidity detection. A highly sensitive humidity sensor fabricated from the MC film exhibits high reversibility and excellent water resistance and can be applied in humidity and personalized breath health monitoring. Our work fills the gap between biomaterial design and high-performance sensing devices.

Keywords: High wet strength; Highly sensitive humidity sensor; Readable sensor; Reusability; Reversibility.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biofilms
  • Cellulose* / chemistry
  • Humidity
  • Water* / chemistry

Substances

  • Water
  • Cellulose