A flexible graphene pressure sensor with high sensitivity based on sewn multi-layer anti-slip cloth

Abstract

High sensitivity and scalable fabrication are crucial for the application of flexible pressure sensors. However, to improve the sensitivity of the pressure sensor, the fabrication inevitably becomes more complex. Herein, a flexible graphene pressure sensor with high sensitivity was fabricated by soaking the sewn multi-layer anti-slip cloth in graphene inks. The fabrication was greatly simplified by the use of commercially available anti-slip cloth and graphene inks without additional chemical reducing agent. Based on theoretical analysis and experimental test, the optimal structure of sensitive layers was found by changing the number of layers and particles. With the help of hemispherical particles on anti-slip cloth and structural design, the pressure sensor shows high reliability, outstanding sensitivity (up to 0.40 kPa−1) and large working range (0–20 kPa). The pressure sensor is further demonstrated to be capable of detecting human activities such as voice, grip, wrist pulse, breathing, etc.