Matrix-addressed crosstalk-free self-powered pressure sensor array based on electrospun isolated PVDF-TrFE cells

Abstract

Flexible pressure sensor array has attracted much attention in wearable electronics, but still lacks self-power, high resolution, large-area fabrication, and low crosstalk. Herein, we present a self-powered pressure sensor array via patterned piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene (PVDF-TrFE) nanofibrous. The PVDF-TrFE nanofibers were collected by patterned metal ground electrodes that isolated each piezoelectric cell. The isolated sensing cells can effectively reduce the crosstalk caused by additional deformation. The potential from individual cell is detected through the row+column electrode configuration to determine the corresponding pressure point and trajectory information. The as-fabricated pressure sensor array showed an excellent linear piezoelectric response (2.5 mV/kPa), a fast response time (5 ms), and good repeatability (25,000 cycles). Furthermore, our piezoelectric devices with constructed PVDF-TrFE layer are feasible in scaling up to a large-area sensor array. Accurate recognitions of the letter "h" trajectory tracking and tactile sensation by our self-powered tactile sensor array show potential applications in electronic skin and artificial intelligence. • The piezoelectric sensor array with isolated PVDF-TrFE cell is constructed to cancel out the voltage crosstalk. • The electrospinning is a versatile and low-cost method to produce self-patterned and polarized nanofibers. • The accurate trajectory recognition based on our sensor array is successfully demonstrated.