Novel multi-walled carbon nanotubes-embedded laser-induced graphene in crosslinked architecture for highly responsive asymmetric pressure sensor

Flexible and wearable pressure sensors are attracting a considerable interest for the essential requirements of personalized health monitoring and electronic skin in next-generation electronics. However, reliable and cost-effective preparation of high-performance pressure sensors remains a challenge. Herein, a novel flexible asymmetric pressure sensor composed of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and laser-induced graphene (LIG) has been developed. The key resistance sensitive material of MWCNTsembedded LIG (MWCNTs/LIG) with an interconnected hierarchical microstructure is fabricated by a simple, convenient and efficient laser direct writing (LDW) technique. By virtue of this designed threedimensional crosslinked structure, MWCNTs/LIG hybrid endows the asymmetric pressure sensor with combined excellent characteristics of a high sensitivity (2.41 kPa(-1)), prominent detectable limit (about 1.2 Pa), very responsive recovery (2 ms), and remarkable durability (>2 000 cycles). This high-performance MWCNTs/LIG asymmetric pressure sensor can clearly detect various subtle human motions (such as breath, vocal vibration, finger movement, and wrist pulse) in real time. Moreover, the integrated MWCNTs/LIG sensory array has a very good multi-point recognition capability. Benefit from its outstanding sensing performances, the as-fabricated pressure sensor has vital inspiration for widespread practical applications in human monitoring of physiological activities, electronic skin, and other wearable fields. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A novel flexible asymmetric pressure sensor composed of MWCNTs and LIG has been developed, showing high sensitivity, detectable limit, responsive recovery, and durability. It can detect various subtle human motions in real time and has a good multi-point recognition capability, providing vital inspiration for practical applications in human monitoring, electronic skin, and wearable fields.