Interfacially confined preparation of copper Porphyrin-contained nanofilms towards High-performance Strain-Pressure monitoring

Abstract

The development of ultrasensitive, durable and anti-jamming strain-pressure sensors that can precisely distinguish different motions or deformations is crucial for health diagnosis and disaster monitoring, but it also remains a challenge. In this study, a self-standing, highly flexible and uniform nanofilm (CuPTFA) was fabricated via interfacial covalent condensation of a copper complex of 5,10,15,20-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)-porphine tetrahydrizides (Cu-TPPNHNH2) and tris-(4-formylphenyl)-amine (TFA). The film was used as a sensing layer in a strain-pressure sensor with a sandwich-like structure of Au/I2@CuPTFA/Au. The sensor had a gauge factor exceeding 10000, a strain range of linear response of 3–7%, reliable output signals after 5000 times of continuous use, and extraordinary noise-screening capability. The strain-pressure sensor can differentiate moderate muscle hyper-spasm from subtle swaying, walking and vigorous sporting activities, with great potential for real-life applications.