Hierarchically Microstructure-Bioinspired Flexible Piezoresistive Bioelectronics

ACS Nano. 2021 Jul 27;15(7):11555-11563. doi: 10.1021/acsnano.1c01606. Epub 2021 Jun 15.

Abstract

The naturally microstructure-bioinspired piezoresistive sensor for human-machine interaction and human health monitoring represents an attractive opportunity for wearable bioelectronics. However, due to the trade-off between sensitivity and linear detection range, obtaining piezoresistive sensors with both a wide pressure monitoring range and a high sensitivity is still a great challenge. Herein, we design a hierarchically microstructure-bioinspired flexible piezoresistive sensor consisting of a hierarchical polyaniline/polyvinylidene fluoride nanofiber (HPPNF) film sandwiched between two interlocking electrodes with microdome structure. Ascribed to the substantially enlarged 3D deformation rates, these bioelectronics exhibit an ultrahigh sensitivity of 53 kPa-1, a pressure detection range from 58.4 to 960 Pa, a fast response time of 38 ms, and excellent cycle stability over 50 000 cycles. Furthermore, this conformally skin-adhered sensor successfully demonstrates the monitoring of human physiological signals and movement states, such as wrist pulse, throat activity, spinal posture, and gait recognition. Evidently, this hierarchically microstructure-bioinspired and amplified sensitivity piezoresistive sensor provides a promising strategy for the rapid development of next-generation wearable bioelectronics.

Keywords: PVDF/ PANI core-shell nanofibers; bioinspired micostructure; flexible piezoresistive sensor; hierarchical structure; human health monitoring.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Movement
  • Nanofibers* / chemistry
  • Skin
  • Wearable Electronic Devices*