Fluorescent markable multi-mode pressure sensors achieved by sandwich-structured electrospun P(VDF-HFP) nanocomposite films

Abstract

The development of multi-functional piezoelectric polymer film is of great significance to many application fields, such as those involving wearable functional devices, flexible sensors, and actuators. In this study, multilayer P(VDF-HFP) nanocomposite films were prepared using electrospinning technology with the MWCNTs-COOH and Eu complexes as fillers to achieve a fluorescent labeled multimode pressure sensor. The sandwich-structured devices were prepared using both electrospun polyurethane (PU) nanofiber films and P(VDF-HFP) composite nanofiber films, where the P(VDF-HFP) composite nanofiber film was used as the core electroactive layer and the PU nanofiber film was used for the skin layers. The resulting sandwich-structured devices showed high sensitivity at ultra-low-pressure (<1 kPa), high piezoelectric output (2.1V), fluorescence functionality, excellent flexibility, and good thermal properties. Our results suggest that sandwich-structured devices based on fluorescent labeled electroactive P(VDF-HFP) composite nanofiber films have great potential for application in the fields of multi-functional flexible sensors and intelligent wearables. • Fluorescent markable multi-mode flexible pressure sensors were fabricated. • Synergistic effect of MWCNTs-COOH and Eu complexes greatly improves the piezoelectric outputs. • The sensors with high electric outputs exhibit high pressure sensitivity at ultra-low-pressure. • The nanocomposites can be applied as multifunctional flexible sensors and intelligent wearables.