Transparent photovoltaic skin for artificial thermoreceptor and nociceptor memory. (January 2022) - Bhatnagar, Priyanka
Abstract: An artificial skin and sensory memory platform is produced using a flexible, transparent photovoltaic (TPV) device. The TPV device is composed of a metal oxide heterojunction (n-ZnO/p-NiO) and transmits visible light (> 50%) while producing substantial electric power (0.5 V and 200 μA cm −2 ). This TPV device is a transparent energy interface that can be used to detect signals and propagate information without an external energy supply. The TPV artificial skin offers a temperature detection range (0–75 °C) that is wider than that of natural skin (5–48 °C) due to the temperature-sensitive pyrocurrent from the ZnO layer. Moreover, the TPV thermoreceptor offers sensory memory of extreme thermal stimuli. Much like natural skin, artificial skin uses the nociceptor mechanism to protect tissue from harmful damage via signal amplification (hyperalgesia) and early adaption (allodynia). This demonstrates the many features of TPV artificial skin, which can sense and transmit signals and memorize information under self-operation mode. This transparent photovoltaic skin can provide sustainable energy for use in human electronics. Graphical Abstract: ga1 Highlights: Transparent photovoltaic (TPV) is applied for artificial skin and sensory memory. TPV device can produce substantial electric power (0.5 V and 200 μA/cm 2 ). Self-powered TPV can serve as an artificial skin of thermoreceptor. TPV thermoreceptor offers the sensory memory to thermal stimuli. TPV skin can provide sustainable energy for human electronics.