Flexible paper based piezo-resistive sensor functionalised by 2D-WSe₂ nanosheets.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• High-performance electronics require sensitive piezoresistive sensors with low cost, power consumption, and easy implementation.
• Existing sensors often face limitations in sensitivity, pressure range, or fabrication complexity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a flexible, paper-based piezoresistive sensor using tungsten diselenide (WSe2) nanosheets.
• To achieve high sensitivity, a broad pressure range, and rapid response times for versatile sensing applications.
• To demonstrate a low-cost and efficient fabrication strategy for practical implementation.

Main Methods:

• Synthesizing WSe2 nanosheets via high-yield, size-controlled liquid phase exfoliation.
• Fabricating a flexible sensor by functionalizing readily available Whatman and tissue paper with WSe2 nanosheets.
• Characterizing the sensor's performance, including pressure sensitivity, current responsivity, and response time.

Main Results:

• The WSe2 nanosheets-paper sensor demonstrated excellent performance across a wide pressure range (1 Pa–100 kPa).
• Achieved exceptionally high sensitivity (29.24 kPa⁻¹), current responsivity of 70, and a fast response time of 100 ms.
• Successfully detected subtle pressures from finger tapping and even minute pressure differences (1.4 Pa) from water drops.

Conclusions:

• The developed WSe2 nanosheets-paper sensor offers a promising solution for high-performance, low-cost, and flexible piezoresistive sensing.
• The efficient fabrication method and superior sensing capabilities make it suitable for diverse applications in electronics and beyond.
• This work highlights the potential of 2D materials like WSe2 integrated with paper substrates for advanced sensor technologies.