An All‐Nanofiber‐Based, Breathable, Ultralight Electronic Skin for Monitoring Physiological Signals. Issue 7 (3rd January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lin, Xiuzhu; Bing, Yu; Li, Fan; Mei, Haixia; Liu, Sen; Fei, Teng; Zhao, Hongran; Zhang, Tong
• Is Part Of: Advanced materials technologies. Volume 7:Issue 7(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-01-03
• Subjects: electronic skin -- electrospinning -- gas‐permeable sensors -- physiological signal monitoring -- pressure sensors; Materials science -- Periodicals; Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Materials science; Technological innovations; Periodicals; 620.1105
• DOI: 10.1002/admt.202101312
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2365-709X

Abstract

Abstract: Electronic skins (e‐skins) are a promising design paradigm for health care systems and human–machine interactions. Piezoresistive sensors made with simple structures, high sensitivity, mass production methods, light weight, and comfort for long‐term wearing and physiological signal monitoring remain a challenge and are urgently desirable. Here, a breathable and lightweight all‐nanofiber piezoresistive (ANFP) sensor is presented, which is composed of three layers of electrospun nanofibers (NFs). A specific interpenetrating network of conductive polyvinylpyrrolidone NFs coated by polypyrrole (PVP@PPy) and insulating polyacrylonitrile NFs is constructed by controlling the vapor growth position of PPy to enhance the sensitivity. The ANFP sensor can achieve the real‐time monitoring of multiple parts of physiological signals, and a wireless detection system is designed for the online monitoring of human pulses. The NF network endows excellent breathability and heat dissipation to the ANFP sensors during practical application, which ensures comfort and device stability during long‐term wearing. Finally, a pressure sensing array with 5 × 5 pixels is fabricated to demonstrate the potential applications in spatial pressure detection. This work provides a viable strategy to improve the wearability of e‐skins, which can promote health care and human–machine interaction applications. Abstract : A flexible, breathable, and ultralight all‐nanofiber electronic skin for whole‐body physiological signal monitoring is developed. By in situ encapsulation of sensitive layer, a polyacrylonitrile and polyvinylpyrrolidone covered by polypyrrole hybrid fiber membrane is inserted into thermoplastic polyurethane fibrous membrane. The interlaced nanofiber network and micro‐to‐nano hierarchical structures can enhance pressure sensitivity and improve thermal‐moisture transfer.