Skin-inspired electrochemical tactility and luminescence

Abstract

Animal skin is deformable, yet capable of consistently sensing external stimuli (mechanical, thermal, chemical) without morphological and functional deterioration. This high deformability and signal stability are ensured because the receptors and the signal transmission systems are based on the electrochemical change in the embedded cells. Further, in the skin of various nocturnal animals and deep-sea creatures, electrochemical changes triggered by mechanical stimuli lead to bioluminescence, which can be effective or direct visual feedback that responses to environmental stress in the biological system. In this regard, recently, researches to artificially imitate electrochemical mechanisms of tactile sensation and luminescence in the skin have made remarkable advances in the field of electronic skin (e-skin). This perspective article introduces recent pivot advances in the ion-based tactile sensors and electrochemiluminescent skins, and suggests the technological challenges, then the article ends with perspectives to the skin-inspired ionic artificial devices.