Ziying Wang

A flexible and highly sensitive piezoresistive strain sensor was fabricated through the application of CO₂ laser ablation on a composite film composed of multi-walled carbon nanotubes, carbon black, and polydimethylsiloxane (MWCNT/CB/PDMS). The results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) surface analysis shows that the “bush-like” conductive structure on the PDMS-based composite material membrane post-laser ablation is formed. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra of the ablation products indicated the formation of an amorphous carbon layer on the surface of carbon nanomaterials due to laser ablation. Experimental findings revealed that the sensitivity (GF) value of the sensor based on CNT0.6CB1.0-P3.0 is up to 584.7 at 5% strain, which is approximately 14% higher than the sensitivity 513 of the sensor previously prepared by the author using CO₂ laser ablation of MWCNT/PDMS composite films. The addition of a very small volume fraction of CB particles significantly enhances the piezoresistive sensitivity of the sensor samples. Combined with the qualitative analysis of microscopic morphology characterization, CB and MWCNT synergistically promote the deposition of amorphous carbon. This phenomenon increases the probability of tunnel effect occurrence in the strain response region of the sensor, which indirectly confirms the synergistic enhancement effect of the combined action of CB and MWCNT on the piezoresistive sensitivity of the sensor.

Functional adjustment of graphene with metal oxide can in fact progress the affectability of graphene-based gas sensors. However, it could be a huge challenge to upgrade the detecting execution of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) sensors at room temperature. The ultrasmall size of nanocrystals (NCs) and copious defects are two key variables for moving forward gas detecting execution. Herein, we provide an effective strategy that the hydrothermal reaction is combined with room-temperature oxygen plasma treatment to prepare Co₃O₄ NCs and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanohybrids (Co₃O₄-RGO). Among all of Co₃O₄-RGO nanohybrids, Co₃O₄-RGO-60 W exhibits the most superior NO₂ sensing properties and achieves the low-concentration detection of NO₂. The sensitivity of Co₃O₄-RGO-60 W to 20 ppm NO₂ at room temperature is the highest (72.36%). The excellent sensing properties can mainly depend on the change in the microstructure of Co₃O₄-RGO. Compared with Co₃O₄-RGO, Co₃O₄-RGO-60 W with oxygen plasma treatment shows more favorable properties for NO₂ adsorption, including the smaller size of Co₃O₄ NCs, larger specific surface area, pore size, and more oxygen vacancies (OVs). Especially, OVs make the surface of NCs have a unique chemical state, which can increase active sites and improve the adsorption property of NO₂. Besides, the agreeable impact of the p-p heterojunction (Co₃O₄ and RGO) and the doping of N molecule contribute to the improved NO₂ detecting properties. It is demonstrated that the Co₃O₄-RGO-60 W sensor is expected to monitor NO₂ at room temperature sensitively.

Energy-harvesting devices based on a single energy conversion mechanism generally have a low output and low conversion efficiency. To solve this problem, an energy harvester coupled with a triboelectric mechanism and electrostatic mechanism for biomechanical energy harvesting is presented. The output performances of the device coupled with a triboelectric mechanism and electrostatic mechanism were systematically studied through principle analysis, simulation, and experimental demonstration. Experiments showed that the output performance of the device was greatly improved by coupling the electrostatic induction mechanisms, and a sustainable and enhanced peak power of approximately 289 μW was produced when the external impedance was 100 MΩ, which gave over a 46-fold enhancement to the conventional single triboelectric conversion mechanism. Moreover, it showed higher resolution for motion states compared with the conventional triboelectric nanogenerator, and can precisely and constantly monitor and distinguish various motion states, including stepping, walking, running, and jumping. Furthermore, it can charge a capacitor of 10 μF to 3 V within 2 min and light up 16 LEDs. On this basis, a self-powered access control system, based on gait recognition, was successfully demonstrated. This work proposes a novel and cost-effective method for biomechanical energy harvesting, which provides a more convenient choice for human motion status monitoring and can be widely used in personnel identification systems.

In recent years, gas sensing electronic devices have always attracted wide attention in the field of environment, industry, aviation and others. In order to improve the gas sensing properties, many micro- and nano-fabrication technologies have been proposed and investigated to develop high-performance gas sensing devices. It is worth noting that light irradiation is an effective strategy to enhance gas sensitivity, shorten the response and recovery time, reduce operating temperature. In this review, firstly, the latest research advances of gas sensors based on different micro-nanostructure materials under UV light and visible light activation is introduced. Then, the gas sensing mechanism of light-assisted gas sensor is discussed in detail. Finally, this review describes the present application of gas sensors with improved properties under light activation assisted conditions and the perspective of their applications.

In order to replace nonrenewable resources and decrease electronic waste disposal, there is a rapidly rising demand for the utilization of reproducible and degradable biopolymers in flexible electronics. Natural biopolymers have many remarkable characteristics, including light weight, excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility, non-toxicity, low cost, etc. Thanks to these superior merits, natural functional biopolymers can be designed and optimized for the development of high-performance flexible electronic devices. Herein, we provide an insightful overview of the unique structures, properties and applications of biopolymers for electronic skins (e-skins) and flexible strain sensors. The relationships between properties and sensing performances of biopolymers-based sensors are also investigated. The functional design strategies and fabrication technologies for biopolymers-based flexible sensors are proposed. Furthermore, the research progresses of biopolymers-based sensors with various functions are described in detail. Finally, we provide some useful viewpoints and future prospects of developing biopolymers-based flexible sensors.