High-Performance Multifunctional Flexible Strain Sensors Based on Plant Leaf-Inspired Hierarchical Micropore...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomimetics
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Wearable flexible strain sensors are crucial for medical health, motion monitoring, and human-computer interaction.
• Developing high-performance, easily manufactured flexible strain sensors remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a simple, efficient, and low-cost method for fabricating flexible strain sensors with hierarchical micropore structures.
• To leverage biomimicry inspired by plant leaf stomata for sensor design.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of flexible strain sensors using a technique inspired by plant leaf stomata to create hierarchical micropore structures.
• Characterization of sensor performance, including sensitivity, detection range, response/recovery times, and durability.
• Demonstration of sensor capabilities in monitoring human activities and transmitting information.

Main Results:

• The fabricated sensors exhibit a hierarchical micropore structure that controls stress distribution and crack propagation.
• Achieved excellent comprehensive performance: high sensitivity (12138), wide detection range (50%), low detection limit (0.01%), fast response/recovery (108/97 ms), and high durability (20,000 cycles).
• Successfully monitored human activities (pulse, microexpression, swallowing, joint bending, vocalization) and achieved Morse code-based information transmission.

Conclusions:

• The proposed biomimetic strategy offers a facile approach to fabricating high-performance flexible strain sensors.
• These sensors demonstrate broad application prospects in wearable devices, electronic skins, soft robots, and advanced information interactions.