Dual-network ionogel with pyramidal array microarchitecture as a flexible device for body movement sensing and subtle activity monitoring

• Published in: Chemical engineering science Vol. 281; p. 119119
• Main Authors: Sun, Yuejing, Li, Qiujin, Gong, Jixian, Li, Zheng, Zhang, Jianfei
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 05.11.2023
• Subjects: Flexible pressure sensor; High sensitivity; Ionogel; Piezoresistive behavior; Pyramidal array microarchitecture; Pyramidal array microarchitecture; Flexible pressure sensor; Piezoresistive behavior; Ionogel; High sensitivity
• ISSN: 0009-2509
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2023.119119

[Display omitted] •Dual-network ionogel with pyramidal array microstructure for piezoresistive device was prepared.•A pair of ionogel sheets are contacted on the pyramidal array side of each other to assemble as a piezoresistive device with high sensitivity.•Besides normal joints movements, the subtle actions such as arterial pulsation, breathing and heart beating can be detected well through this sensor. Flexible piezoresistive devices with high sensitivity serve as important candidates for wearable sensors in common movements and subtle physiological motions. In this work, a soft material based on ionogel was fabricated into a sheet with pyramidal array architecture on one side (PDNIG), which worked as a pressure sensor in a pair combo state with the pyramidal side contacted each other (di-PDNIG). It demonstrates high sensitivity (10.98 kPa−1) and strong durability, which can work well in monitoring primary limb movements and the subtle physiological signals, including radial artery pulsation and heartbeat, associated with cardiovascular function. The tested radial artery pulse through the sensor presents typical artery wave characteristics. Moreover, the artery pulse rate of the subjects is 72 ∼ 90 beats/min, whilst the heartbeat rate is ∼ 80 beats/min. This di-PDNIG suggests a potential material as soft sensor facing toward wellness status monitoring and artificial intelligence system components.