A Mechanoluminescent ZnS:Cu/PDMS and Biocompatible Piezoelectric Silk Fibroin/PDMS Hybrid Sensor for Self‐Powered Sensing and Artificial Intelligence Control

Abstract

AbstractMechanoluminescence (ML) is luminescence induced due to mechanical stress, providing intuitive responses to strain‐related events. Piezoelectricity is the conversion of mechanical strain into electrical signals, offering a quantitative measurement of force/deformation. Combining ML and piezoelectricity within a single device provides a comprehensive understanding of mechanical events, providing qualitative and quantitative information about strain‐related phenomena. A ZnS:Cu/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite and a biocompatible silk fibroin/PDMS composite are prepared to generate ML and electrical signals, respectively. An innovative method for obtaining powder from silk fabrics is employed. The microstructure and composition of silk fibroin powder are also examined via X‐ray diffraction and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Mechanical stimuli such as pressure, stretching, twisting, bending, vibration, and rubbing are applied to the device to demonstrate optical and electrical responses. Under pressure, a voltage of 3.82 V and an output current of 201.6 nA are generated at a force of 1 N. Furthermore, a handwritten test is conducted to qualitatively visualize letters based on ML effects and explore the feasibility of using artificial intelligence to classify voltage signals generated during writing into their corresponding letters. This biocompatible, dual‐modal self‐powered sensor demonstrates broad applicability in wearable technology, biomechanics, human–machine interaction, security, and energy harvesting.