Interfacial-Modified Graphene/Cotton Fabric for Durable Pressure Sensor via Electrostatic Self-Assembly

Flexible, wearable pressure sensors have been widely studied in the fields of motion detection, health management, and human-computer interaction. However, the unsatisfactory stability and durability limit its application, due to the weak interface interaction between the flexible substrate and conductive layer. Herein, we design a wearable pressure sensor with good sensitivity and stability by integrating a conductive cellulose/exfoliated graphene (CEG) ink with polyethylenimine-modified cotton fabrics (PEI-CFs). The negatively charged graphene was obtained via liquid-phase exfoliation of graphite in a sustainable cellulose solution. The pressure sensor was prepared by an electrostatic self-assembly process in which negatively charged CEG is adsorbed to the positively charged PEI-CFs. In this strategy, CEG ink combines firmly with the PEI-CF substrate, endowing the as-prepared pressure sensor with stable sensing performance and long-term stability. Due to these advantages, it can be used for human health monitoring, such as human motion, breathing, and microexpression. This work provides a simple and feasible route for the development of stable, durable, and high-performance wearable electronics.

Automated summary

This study presents a wearable pressure sensor with good sensitivity and stability by integrating a conductive cellulose/exfoliated graphene ink with polyethylenimine-modified cotton fabrics. The pressure sensor is prepared through an electrostatic self-assembly process, resulting in stable sensing performance and long-term stability. It has potential applications in human health monitoring.