Graphene-polymer nanocomposites electrode with ionic nanofibrous membrane for highly sensitive supercapacitive pressure sensor. (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sharma, Sudeep; Pradhan, Gagan Bahadur; Chhetry, Ashok; Shrestha, Kumar; Bhatta, Trilochan; Zhang, Shipeng; Kim, Dongkyun; Jeong, Seonghoon; Shin, Youngdo; Zahed, Md. Abu; Hui, Xue; Park, Jae Yeong
• Is Part Of: Nano today. Volume 48(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: Supercapacitive -- Flexible pressure sensor -- Iontronic sensing -- Nanofibrous membrane -- Nanoporous carbon -- Posture monitoring; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanosciences -- Périodiques; 620.505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nantod.2022.101698
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-0132

Abstract

Abstract: Wearable pressure sensors have obtained significant interests owing to their diverse applications in electronic skins and smart health informatics. Ultrahigh sensitivity, wide linearity, and better pressure resolution are highly desirable attributes of the pressure sensors for versatile applications. Here, a flexible supercapacitive pressure sensor (SPS) based on a novel reversible ion pumping mechanism is reported that remarkably increases the pressure sensitivity over a broad linear range exceeding the limits of the existing iontronic pressure sensors. The SPS is composed of lower concentration ionic nanofibrous membrane between two graphene-polymer nanocomposite electrolyte films, which engages in ion pumping, triggering a high electrical double layer capacitance under external stimuli. The fabricated SPS exhibited an ultra-high sensitivity of 9029 kPa −1 over wide linear range (0–100 kPa) with outstanding pressure resolution of 0.446%. Additionally, a wireless fitness tracker system is successfully demonstrated by integrating the SPS, which can monitor the food consumption and posture of users to improve their lifestyle. Graphical Abstract: An ultra-sensitive supercapacitive pressure sensor was newly fabricated by sandwiching an ionic nanofibrous membrane between microstructured p-electrolyte/electrode films. The membrane allows reversible ion pumping under external stimuli controlling the electrical double layer mechanism at the interface layer ensuring the ultra-high sensitivity of the device. The real-time demonstration of the sensor was also performed by developing a personalized wireless fitness tracker system. ga1 Highlights: INM is sandwiched between the microstructured GNE films to realize supercapacitive pressure sensor. INM and microstructured GNE considerably reduces C0 by inhibiting the EDL. The ion pumping mechanism triggered by change in contact area between microstructured GNE and INM. Synergistic effect of INM and GNE showed high sensitivity (9029 kPa −1 ) over the wide linear range (<100 kPa). The sensor was assembled with a wireless system for continuous monitoring of postures and body motions.