A Highly Responsive Graphene Oxide Humidity Sensor Based on PVA Nanofibers

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Graphene oxide (GO) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) are explored for humidity sensing applications.
• Developing reliable humidity sensors is crucial for environmental monitoring and healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize graphene oxide (GO) humidity sensors integrated with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofibers.
• To evaluate the performance of GO/PVA composite sensors for humidity detection and respiration monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of PVA nanofiber layers with varying densities using electrospinning.
• Deposition of GO films onto PVA nanofibers via spin-coating.
• Electrical characterization of GO/PVA composite films and humidity sensors.

Main Results:

• Enhanced electrical properties of GO films due to improved PVA nanofiber distribution.
• High sensitivity and rapid response (98.44% at 80% RH) in the 40-80% relative humidity range.
• Excellent sensor stability over one week and successful application in respiration monitoring.

Conclusions:

• GO/PVA composite nanofibers offer a promising platform for high-performance humidity sensors.
• The developed sensors demonstrate significant potential for real-time respiration monitoring and disease analysis.