Synergistic Effect of Graphene/Silver Nanowire Hybrid Fillers on Highly Stretchable Strain Sensors Based on Spandex Composites

Abstract

Embedding conductive nanomaterials into elastomeric polymer matrices is one of the most promising approaches for fabricating stretchable strain sensors capable of monitoring large mechanical movements or deformation through the detection of resistance changes. Here, hybrid fillers comprising graphene and silver nanowires (AgNWs) are incorporated into extremely stretchable spandex to fabricate strain sensors. Composites containing only graphene and those containing the graphene/AgNW hybrid fillers are systematically investigated by evaluating their electrical and mechanical properties. The synergistic effect between graphene and AgNWs enable the strain sensors based on the composites to experience a large strain range of up to 120%, and low hysteresis with a high gauge factor of 150.3 at a strain of 120%. These reliable strain sensors are utilized for monitoring human motions such as heartbeats and body movements. The findings of this study indicate the significant applicability of graphene/AgNW/spandex composites in future applications that demand high-performance stretchable strain sensors.

Flexible and Transparent Silver Nanowires Integrated with a Graphene Layer-Doping PEDOT:PSS Film for Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide

“…It is because electrical charges only transfer from AgNWs to AgNWs before composition and GR can bridge AgNWs, which can provide more conductive paths after composition. 36 In addition, comparing with the sheet resistance of AgNW films, the sheet resistance AgNWs/GR films changes a little. As Figure 2b shows, the conductivity of the film was further improved by the encapsulant of PEDOT:PSS.…”

“…As Figure b shows, the conductivity of the film was further improved by the encapsulant of PEDOT:PSS. It was because the addition of PEDOT:PSS provided more conductive paths and charges can transfer from AgNWs to GR and to PEDOT:PSS. , In addition, the variance of AgNWs/GR/PEDOT:PSS film sheet resistance was more stable than that of AgNWs/GR film sheet resistance. Figure c shows the transmittances of the AgNW film, AgNWs/GR film, and AgNWs/GR/PEDT:PSS film.…”

“…After the composition with GR, the conductivity of the films improved. It is because electrical charges only transfer from AgNWs to AgNWs before composition and GR can bridge AgNWs, which can provide more conductive paths after composition . In addition, comparing with the sheet resistance of AgNW films, the sheet resistance AgNWs/GR films changes a little.…”

Silver Nanowires in Stretchable Resistive Strain Sensors

“…The sensor was able to withstand more than a million stretch–release cycles in addition to a stretchability of 58% and a gauge factor of 1591. In another instance, reduced graphene flakes and AgNWs were used as fillers on a spandex fibrous substrate by Tan Thong Vo et al to realize a stretchable strain sensor [ 111 ]. It was identified that the increase in a single filler alone results in reduced stretchability.…”

Interlayer Separation in Graphene Paper Comprising Electrochemically Exfoliated Graphene

“…The oxidation of graphite, subsequent exfoliation of graphite oxide to GO, and eventual chemical or thermal reduction of GO is a scalable and inexpensive technique to obtain substantial quantities of graphene flakes [ 16 ]. GO and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) have been extensively utilized as components of paper-like materials [ 17 , 18 ], nanocomposites [ 15 , 19 ], electrodes for energy storage devices [ 20 , 21 ], transparent conducting films [ 22 ], and high-performance coatings [ 23 ]. However, the oxidation of graphite induces the formation of numerous defects and oxygen functional groups [ 24 ].…”