All electrospun fabrics based piezoelectric tactile sensor

Abstract

Tactile sensors have been widely used in the areas of health monitoring and intelligent human-machine interface. Flexible tactile sensors based on nanofiber mats made by electrospinning can meet the requirements of comfortability and breathability for wearing the body very well. Here, we developed a flexible and self-powered tactile sensor that was sandwich assembled by electrospun organic electrodes and a piezoelectric layer. The metal-free organic electrodes of thermal plastic polyurethane (PU) nanofibers decorated with multi-walled carbon nanotubes were fabricated by electrospinning followed by ultrasonication treatment. The electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene (PVDF-TrFE) mat was utilized as the piezoelectric layer, and it was found that the piezoelectric performance of PVDF-TrFE nanofiber mat added with barium titanate (BaTiO3) nanoparticles was enhanced about 187% than that of the pure PVDF-TrFE nanofiber mat. For practical application, the as-prepared piezoelectric tactile sensor exhibited an approximative linear relationship between the external force and the electrical output. Then the array of fabricated sensors was attached to the fingertips of a glove to grab a cup of water for tactile sensing, and the mass of water can be directly estimated according to the outputs of the sensor array. Attributed to the integrated merits of good flexibility, enhanced piezoelectric performance, light weight, and efficient gas permeability, the developed tactile sensor could be widely used as wearable devices for robot execution end or prosthesis for tactile feedback.

Toward a new generation of permeable skin electronics

“…227 Breathable skin-mountable devices based on other pressure-sensing mechanisms ( piezoresistive, triboelectric, and piezoelectric) have also been reported. [232][233][234] For instance, Zheng et al developed a MXene/CNTs/cellulose nanofibre piezoresistive pressure sensor through a layer-by-layer assem- bly and roll-to-roll process. The sensor had excellent permeability (838.7 ± 22.6 mm s −1 ) due to its porous structure.…”

“…In addition, the sensor was repeatedly loaded/unloaded over 12 000 cycles at a constant force of 5 N, and the current output performance remained almost unchanged, demonstrating excellent stability. 232 Table 3 summarizes breathable skin-mountable pressure sensors in the last five years.…”

Piezo-Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of the Electrospun Fibrous Magnetic PVDF/BiFeO3 Membrane

“…In this regard, composite materials based on polymers are particularly relevant and attractive [ 22 ]. Polymeric ferroelectrics, which are non-toxic, biocompatible, chemically inert, flexible, and can be formed into films, offer significant benefits in this area [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ]. Among them, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is a great choice as a matrix for BFO since it is possible to obtain a piezo-photocatalyst similar to those previously reported [ 28 , 29 ].…”

“One-Step” Preparation Process for the Flexible and Breathable Piezoelectric Sensor

“…32 Luo et al designed a piezoelectric tactile sensor based on all electrospun fabrics, which integrated the merits of good flexibility, enhanced piezoelectric performance, lightweight, and efficient air permeability. 33 It can be seen that combining electrospinning and additive manufacturing, continuous layer-by-layer fabrication assisted by hot-pressing may be a good approach for the multilayered sensor.…”