Highly Adaptable Strain Capacitive Sensors with Exceptional Selectivity Using Spontaneous Micrometer-Pyramid Electrodes

Abstract

Strain capacitive sensors are essential to develop various applications, such as human–machine interfaces and monitoring of dynamic body movement. However, a big limitation of this sensor is its complex integration process and inherent property of low sensitivity. Herein, a highly adaptable strain capacitive sensor is developed by using spontaneous micrometer-pyramid electrodes via a facile, low-cost, and scalable solution method. The strain sensor in this study possesses a high gauge factor of 2.9, which is independent of the strain direction. In addition, the sensor has high linearity, high stability, and negligible hysteresis at a maximum applied strain of 70% and outstanding durability for over 1000 cycles at an applied strain of 60%. Finally, the highly adaptable strain sensor is further demonstrated in wearable applications. The potential applications of the highly adaptable sensors reported here may shed light on next-generation soft and flexible electronics.