Ultrasensitive and stretchable strain sensors based on mazelike vertical graphene network

Shuying Wu, Shuhua Peng, Zhao Jun Han, Hongwei Zhu, Chun H. Wang*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

118 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Here, we report a new type of strain sensors consisting of vertical graphene nanosheets (VGNs) with mazelike network, sandwiched between poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) substrates. The new sensors outperform most graphene thin-film-based sensors reported previously and show an outstanding combination of high stretchability of ∼120%, excellent linearity over the entire detection range, and high sensitivity with a gauge factor of ∼32.6. The sensitivity can be tuned by controlling the thickness of VGNs, with sensors consisting of thicker VGNs showing higher sensitivity but slightly lower stretchability (the maximum gauge factor is ∼88.4 with a maximum detection strain of ∼55%). Detailed microscopic examinations reveal that the ultrahigh sensitivity stems from the formation of microcracks initiated in the buffer layer. These microcracks are bridged by strings of graphene/PDMS, enabling the conductive network to continue to function up to a strain level significantly higher than that of previously reported graphene thin-film-based sensors. Furthermore, the present sensors have been found to be insensitive to temperatures and various liquids, including water and 0.1 mol L-1 sodium chloride solution (similar to the sweat on human skin). Demonstrations are presented to highlight the new sensors' potential as wearable devices for human motion detection and pressure distribution measurement.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)36312-36322
Number of pages11
JournalACS Applied Materials and Interfaces
Volume10
Issue number42
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 24 Oct 2018
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • vertical graphene nanosheets
  • piezoresistivity
  • strain sensor
  • microcracking
  • human motion detection

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