Facile fabrication of superhydrophobic and photocatalytic self-cleaning flexible strain sensor membrane for human motion

作者：Li, Min; Liu, Weiqing; Yin, Zuozhu^*; Yang, Haitao; Chen, Yuhua; Yang, Chenggang; Luo, Yidan; Hong, Zhen; Xie, Chan; Xue, Mingshan^*

来源：Sensors and Actuators, A: Physical , 2023, 363: 114750.

DOI：10.1016/j.sna.2023.114750

• Flexible strain sensor
• Superhydrophobic coating
• Harsh environment applications
• Photocatalytic degradation
• Human motion detection

Superhydrophobic coatings have numerous applications across various industries. However, there have been limited reports on superhydrophobic and smart coatings that possess multifunctionality and their applications in flexible sensing electronics. Herein, a Robust fabrication of superhydrophobic and photocatalytic self-cleaning flexible strain sensor membrane (Nanocellulose-based membrane/Graphene/Co(OH)(2)/Stearic acid (NM-G-Co(OH)(2)-STA)) for full-range human motion was developed by burshing and dip-coating method. The synergistic effect and strong interaction of Co(OH)(2), STA, and Graphene lead to the formation of a highly conductive hierarchical structure on the surface of NM. As a result, a sensor with excellent conductivity stability and superhydrophobicity is achieved. The water contact angle (WCA) of this sensor membrane can reach 166 degrees. The integration of these characteristics allows the sensor to operate effectively in challenging conditions, including bending, abrasion, high temperature, UV exposure, and contact with corrosive liquids. This sensor membrane possesses excellent self-cleaning, photocatalytic, and full-range human motion. This sensor membrane results in high photocatalytic degradation capacity (> 93%) for dyed wasterwater treatment. This sensor membrane integrates high sensitivity (GF = 137.25), fast response and recovery (response time is 151.01 ms, recovery time is 123.01 ms) and dynamic durability in a single system (stretching and bending at 131.3 mm/min for 300 s). Due to its excellent flexibility, high sensitivity, and broad sensing range, this sensor membrane is suitable for use as a wearable sensor to detect various human motions, including wrist, finger, and knuckle movements. Consequently, this material holds significant potential for applications in wearable electronics, measurement platforms, rainfall monitoring, and intelligent irrigation systems.

• 单位
  南昌航空大学