Durable, High-Output, Weavable Self-Powered Pressure Sensors Enabled by Plant-Templated Topological Interlocking...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Wearable Electronics

Background:

• Flexible wearable electronics require advanced fibrous triboelectric materials.
• Mechanical mismatch between dielectric and electrode interfaces limits device durability and performance.
• Existing materials face challenges in achieving both stretchability and stable high output.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a weavable and stretchable fibrous triboelectric material.
• To address the mechanical mismatch issue in wearable triboelectric devices.
• To enhance device durability and power output for practical applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a fibrous triboelectric material (PDMS/PPy/AgNPs/JE) using a porous Juncus effusus template.
• In situ growth and injection molding techniques were employed for material synthesis.
• Characterization of the material's mechanical properties, durability, and electrical output.

Main Results:

• The developed material exhibits a topological interlocking structure, enabling it to withstand 142% strain.
• Stable performance was maintained after 10,000 working cycles, demonstrating high durability.
• An excellent output voltage of approximately 46 V was achieved due to a Schottky junction.

Conclusions:

• The PDMS/PPy/AgNPs/JE material offers a robust solution for stable, high-output wearable sensors.
• The unique structure overcomes mechanical mismatch, enhancing device longevity and performance.
• This work presents a novel approach for constructing advanced materials for self-powered sensing applications.