Coaxial struts and microfractured structures of compressible thermoelectric foams for self-powered pressure sensors. Issue 38 (26th September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Oh, Jinwoo; Kim, Jong-Ho; Park, Kyung Tae; Jo, Kiyoung; Lee, Jong-Chan; Kim, Heesuk; Son, Jeong Gon
• Is Part Of: Nanoscale. Volume 10:Issue 38(2018)
• Page Start: 18370
• Page End: 18377
• Publication Date: 2018-09-26
• Subjects: Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; 620.505
• DOI: 10.1039/c8nr04582h
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2040-3364

Abstract

Abstract : Long-term operation of wearable pressure sensors requires the use of self-powered human-based energy sources. Abstract : Long-term operation of wearable pressure sensors to detect body movement requires self-powered human-based energy sources to minimize the need for recharging. Recently, pressure sensors with thermoelectric properties based on conducting polymers have been reported; however, these devices are limited in their ability to simultaneously achieve sufficient power generation and sensitivity of the sensor. In this article, we suggest a coaxial strut structure of poly(styrene–ethylene/butylene–styrene)(SEBS)-poly(3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate)(PEDOT:PSS)-melamine foam (MF) with a fractured microstructure for a highly sensitive, efficient self-powered pressure sensor. In the coaxial struts, the MF core provides a compressible and elastic framework; the intermediate PEDOT:PSS acts as a conductor and a thermoelectric material; and the SEBS shell ensures mechanical stability and resilience to stabilize the brittle PEDOT:PSS layer under high loading conditions. Additionally, by compressing the coaxial foam to 1/20, partial microfracture of PEDOT:PSS occurs only in the SEBS shell; thus, the pressure sensitivity increases significantly while maintaining high conductivity and thermoelectric performance. The coaxial foam was assembled into a wearable TEG to generate 338 nW from the forearms and demonstrate the high sensitivity of pressure sensors without an external power supply.