Journal of Textile Research ›› 2025, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (02): 113-121.doi: 10.13475/j.fzxb.20240904601

• Textile Engineering • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Preparation and performance of all-fabric iontronic flexible pressure sensor

ZHANG Rui1,2, YE Suxian2, WANG Jian1,2(), ZOU Zhuanyong1,2   

  1. 1. Key Laboratory of Clean Dyeing and Finishing Technology of Zhejiang Province, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 312000, China
    2. Shaoxing Key Laboratory of High Performance Fibers & Products, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 312000, China
  • Received:2024-09-24 Revised:2024-10-31 Online:2025-02-15 Published:2025-03-04
  • Contact: WANG Jian E-mail:jwang@usx.edu.cn

RichHTML

16

PDF (PC)

37

Abstract:

Objective With the rapid development of smart wearable technology, flexible capacitive pressure sensors have been widely applied in various fields. However, traditional sensors suffer from low sensitivity and poor breathability, which seriously affect their performance and wearing comfort. Hence, this paper presents a breathable iontronic flexible pressure sensor based on the use of nonwoven fabrics, aiming to improve the deficiencies of existing capacitive sensors.

Method A breathable all-fabric iontronic flexible pressure sensor was prepared by using nonwoven fabric as the base material, carbon nanotube-modified nonwoven fabric as the electrode layer, and ionic liquid-treated nonwoven fabric as the dielectric layer. The sensor was characterized and analyzed using SEM, TH2830 LCR digital multimeter, and a self-developed tensile tester.

Results Three different contents (20%, 35% and 50%) of ion/fabric dielectric layers were prepared. The sensitivity and sensing performance of the sensors with these three different contents of ion/fabric dielectric layers were comparatively investigated. The results indicated that the sensor with 50% ion/fabric dielectric layer exhibited the highest sensitivity. This is attributed to the fact that the sensor reduced the distance between the upper and lower electrodes under external pressure. Meanwhile, with the increase in the content of ionic liquid adhered to the fiber surface, under the effect of the enhanced electric field, the number of pairs of charges accumulated at the electrode-dielectric layer interface will increase, thereby enhancing the response capacitance value. The sensor with 50% ion/fabric dielectric layer had a sensitivity as high as 2.89 kPa-1 within the range of 0-1.19 kPa and a sensitivity of 0.17 kPa-1 within the range of 1.19-224 kPa. Simultaneously, it demonstrated a wide sensing range (0-224 kPa), short response and recovery times (50/50 ms), strong durability (> 1 000 cycles), air permeability (225 mm/s), and superhydrophobic properties, with a water contact angle of 159.5°. Additionally, this sensor sh owed favorable non-contact performance, with a non-contact sensitivity of 1.43×10-3 cm-1.

Conclusion The above characterizations suggest that the sensing performance of the iontronic flexible pressure sensor fabricated with the nonwoven fabric modified by 50% ionic liquid has been significantly enhanced. Under non-contact sensing, this sensor can distinctly recognize the speed and distance of the contacted object. Under pressure sensing, it can rapidly and precisely perceive the variations in human joint movement and motion angles. Therefore, this work opens up a new path for flexible capacitive sensors and has great potential in the field of human motion monitoring.

Key words: flexible pressure sensor, iontronic flexible pressure sensor, nonwoven fabric, carbon nanotube, motion monitoring

CLC Number: 

  • TS176

Fig.1

Schematic flow diagram of preparation process of iontronic flexible pressure sensor"

Fig.2

SEM image of electrode layer before and after modification. (a) Hydroentangled nonwovens; (b) Conductive fabric; (c) Superhydrophobic conductive fabric"

Fig.3

SEM images and elemental distribution of dielectric layer before and after ionic liquid treatment. (a) Hydroentangled nonwovens; (b) 20% ion/fabric; (c) 35% ion/fabric; (d) 50% ion/fabric; (e) 50% ion/fabric corresponding distribution of elements C, O, F, N and S"

Fig.4

Infrared spectra of dielectric layer before and after ionic liquid treatment"

Fig.5

Electrode layer contact angle and permeability of ion/fabric dielectrics assembled with electrode layers of different contents. (a) Electrode layer contact angle; (b) Visualisation of permeability of ion/fabric dielectric layer sensor with different contents"

Fig.6

Pressure sensing performance of iontronic flexible pressure sensor. (a) 20% ion/fabric dielectric layer sensor pressure sensitivity; (b) 35% ion/fabric dielectric layer sensor pressure sensitivity; (c) 50% ion/fabric dielectric layer sensor pressure sensitivity ; (d) 50 g weights for cyclic pressure application; (e) Pressure response of different mass weights; (f) Response time; (g) Recovery time; (h) Pressure cycle durability"

Fig.7

Pressure sensing mechanism diagram of iontronic flexible pressure sensor"

Fig.8

Non-contact sensing performance of iontronic flexible pressure sensor. (a) Mechanism diagram of non-contact sensing; (b) Non-contact sensitivity; (c) Non-contact sensing with different number of fingers; (d) Palm up and down movement for 1-10 cm; (e) Non-contact morse code signal"

Fig.9

Monitoring of finger bending(a) and wrist bending(b) by iontronic flexible pressure sensors"

Fig.10

Motion monitoring of Knee bending(b) and Laryngeal swallowing by iontronic flexible pressure sensors"

[1] HUANG C Y, YANG G, HUANG P, et al. Flexible pressure sensor with an excellent linear response in a broad detection range for human motion monitoring[J]. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2023, 15(2): 3476-3485.
[2] 王晨露, 马金星, 杨雅晴, 等. 聚苯胺涂层经编织物的应变传感性能及其在呼吸监测中的应用[J]. 纺织学报, 2022, 43(8):113-118.
WANG Chenlu, MA Jinxing, YANG yaqing, et al. Strain sensing property and respiration monitoring of polyaniline-coated warp-knitted fabrics[J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2022, 43(8):113-118.
[3] CUI J, NAN X, SHAO G, et al. High-sensitivity flexible pressure sensor-based 3D cnts sponge for human-computer interaction[J]. Polymers, 2021, 13(20): 3465.
[4] ZHONG M, ZHANG L, LIU X, et al. Wide linear range and highly sensitive flexible pressure sensor based on multistage sensing process for health monitoring and human-machine interfaces[J]. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2021. DOI:10.1016/J.CEJ.2021.128649.
[5] LIU X, WEI Y, QIU Y. Advanced flexible skin-like pressure and strain sensors for human health monitor-ing[J]. Micromachines, 2021, 12(6): 695.
[6] ZHANG R, YE S, SUZUKI R, et al. Carbon nanotube modified cellulose nonwovens: superhydrophobic, breathable, and sensitive for drowning alarm and motion monitoring[J]. Cellulose, 2024, 31(5): 3143-3161.
[7] ZHANG R, WANG J, ZOU Z. Highly-performance nonwoven pressure sensors with enhanced breathability and durability for human health monitoring[J]. Physica Scripta, 2024. DOI: 10.1088/1402-4896/ad3405.
[8] JUNG Y, LEE W, JUNG K, et al. A highly sensitive and flexible capacitive pressure sensor based on a porous three-dimensional PDMS/microsphere composite[J]. Polymers, 2020, 12(6): 1412.
[9] ZHANG X, DANG D, SU S, et al. A highly sensitive flexible capacitive pressure sensor with wide detection range based on bionic gradient microstructures[J]. IEEE Sensors Journal, 2023, 23(14): 15413-15423.
[10] KIM M, DOH I, OH E, et al. Flexible piezoelectric pressure sensors fabricated from nanocomposites with enhanced dispersion and vapor permeability for precision pulse wave monitoring[J]. ACS Applied Nano Materials, 2023, 6(23): 22025-22035.
[11] YANG Y, PAN H, XIE G, et al. Flexible piezoelectric pressure sensor based on polydopamine-modified BaTiO3/PVDF composite film for human motion monitoring[J]. Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.sna.2019.111789.
[12] ZHANG P, ZHANG Z, CAI J. A foot pressure sensor based on triboelectric nanogenerator for human motion monitoring[J]. Microsystem Technologies, 2021, 27: 3507-3512.
[13] SHAN B, LIU C, CHEN R, et al. A self-powered sensor for detecting slip state and pressure of underwater actuators based on triboelectric nanogenerator[J]. Materials Today Nano, 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.mtnano.2023.100391.
[14] CHEN W, YAN X. Progress in achieving high-performance piezoresistive and capacitive flexible pressure sensors: a review[J]. Journal of Materials Science & Technology, 2020, 43: 175-188.
[15] YANG J, LUO S, ZHOU X, et al. Flexible, tunable, and ultrasensitive capacitive pressure sensor with microconformal graphene electrodes[J]. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2019, 11(16): 14997-15006.
[16] LIU M Y, HANG C Z, ZHAO X F, et al. Advance on flexible pressure sensors based on metal and carbonaceous nanomaterial[J]. Nano Energy, 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2021.106181.
[17] SHARMA A, ANSARI M Z, CHO C. Ultrasensitive flexible wearable pressure/strain sensors: parameters, materials, mechanisms and applications[J]. Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.sna.2022.113934.
[18] HAN M, LEE J, KIM J K, et al. Highly sensitive and flexible wearable pressure sensor with dielectric elastomer and carbon nanotube electrodes[J]. Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.sna.2020.111941.
[19] YUAN H, ZHANG Q, ZHOU T, et al. Progress and challenges in flexible capacitive pressure sensors: microstructure designs and applications[J]. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2024.149926.
[20] MA L, SHUAI X, HU Y, et al. A highly sensitive and flexible capacitive pressure sensor based on a micro-arrayed polydimethylsiloxane dielectric layer[J]. Journal of Materials Chemistry C, 2018, 6(48): 13232-13240.
[21] CHEN Q, YANG J, CHEN B, et al. Wearable pressure sensors with capacitive response over a wide dynamic range[J]. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2022, 14(39): 44642-44651.
[22] CHENG A J, WU L, SHA Z, et al. Recent advances of capacitive sensors: materials, microstructure designs, applications, and opportunities[J]. Advanced Materials Technologies, 2023. DOI: 10.1002/admt.202201959.
[23] 佘明华, 李新新, 刘金坤, 等. 电容式织物基压力传感器制备及人机交互应用[J]. 棉纺织技术, 2023, 51(3):35-40.
SHE Minghua, LI Xinxin, LIU Jinkun, et al. Preparation of capacitive type fabric-based pressure sensor and its application in human-computer interac-tion[J]. Cotton Textile Technology, 2023, 51(3):35-40.
[24] 赵博宇, 李露红, 丛洪莲. 棉/Ti3C2导电纱制备及其电容式压力传感器的性能[J]. 纺织学报, 2022, 43(7):47-54.
ZHAO Boyu, LI Luhong, CONG Honglian. Preparation of cotton /Ti3C2 conductive yarn and performance of pressure capacitance sensor[J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2022, 43(7):47-54.
[25] GABRYŚ T, FRYCZKOWSKA B, GRZYBOWSKA-PIETRAS J, et al. Modification and properties of cellulose nonwoven fabric: multifunctional mulching material for agricultural applications[J]. Materials, 2021, 14(15): 4335.
[26] ZHANG R, WANG J, WANG J, et al. Dome structure nonwoven-based dual-mode pressure-humidity sensor: enhancing sensitivity and breathability for human health monitoring[J]. Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.sna.2024.115887.
[27] PRASANNA C M S, SUTHANTHIRARAJ S A. Effective influences of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide (EMIMTFSI) ionic liquid on the ion transport properties of micro-porous zinc-ion conducting poly (vinyl chloride)/poly (ethyl methacrylate) blend-based polymer electrolytes[J]. Journal of Polymer Research, 2016, 23: 1-17.
[28] CHO C, KIM D, LEE C, et al. Ultrasensitive ionic liquid polymer composites with a convex and wrinkled microstructure and their application as wearable pressure sensors[J]. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2023, 15(10): 13625-13636.
[29] SUN G, JIANG Y, SUN H, et al. Flexible, breathable, and hydrophobic iontronic tactile sensors based on a nonwoven fabric platform for permeable and waterproof wearable sensing applications[J]. ACS Applied Electronic Materials, 2023, 5(11): 6477-6489.
[30] WEI Z, LI X, CAI X, et al. A water-resistance and breathable fabric-based sensor with high sensitivity for air and underwater applications[J]. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2024.150034.
[31] YANG J, LIU Q, DENG Z, et al. Ionic liquid-activated wearable electronics[J]. Materials Today Physics, 2019, 8: 78-85.
doi: 10.1016/j.mtphys.2019.02.002
[32] GUAN F, XIE Y, WU H, et al. Silver nanowire-bacterial cellulose composite fiber-based sensor for highly sensitive detection of pressure and proximity[J]. ACS Nano, 2020, 14(11): 15428-15439.
doi: 10.1021/acsnano.0c06063 pmid: 33030887
[33] YE X, TIAN M, LI M, et al. All-fabric-based flexible capacitive sensors with pressure detection and non-contact instruction capability[J]. Coatings, 2022, 12(3): 302.
[1] ZHANG Zhe, WANG Rui, CAI Tao. Efficient and economical preparation of patterned durable waterborne polyurethane/carbon nanotube multifunctional antistatic composite fabrics [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2025, 46(02): 207-217.
[2] XIAO Xin, LI Wei, LU Run, JIANG Huiyu, LI Qing. Scouring and bleaching of cotton nonwoven fabrics using plasma-assisted hydrogen peroxide activation system [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2024, 45(12): 118-127.
[3] ZHAO Fang, SHAO Guangwei, SHAO Huiqi, BI Siyi, LI Minghao, HAI Wenqing, ZHANG Xin, JIANG Ziyang, JIANG Jinhua, CHEN Nanliang. Preparation and properties of Ni/Cu/Ni-carbon nanotube composite yarns [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2024, 45(12): 144-151.
[4] YANG Teng, SUN Zhihui, WU Siyu, YU Hui, WANG Fei. Preparation and performance of fabric sensor based on polyurethane/ carbon black/polyamide conductive yarn [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2024, 45(12): 80-88.
[5] LI Han, WANG Haixia, ZHANG Xu, LIU Liping, LIU Xiaokun. Preparation and thermal management performance of thermoregulated fabric based on polyvinyl butyral/polyethylene glycol coaxial nanofiber membrane [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2024, 45(11): 37-45.
[6] ZHANG Rui, YING Di, CHEN Bingbing, TIAN Xin, ZHENG Yingying, WANG Jian, ZOU Zhuanyong. Preparation and properties of carbon nanotube modified three-dimensional fiber-mesh nonwoven sensors [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2024, 45(11): 46-54.
[7] XIAO Yuan, TONG Yao, HU Cheng'an, WU Xianjun, YANG Leipeng. Preparation of all-fabric flexible piezoresistive sensors based on conductive composite coating [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2024, 45(10): 152-160.
[8] LU Daokun, WANG Shifei, DONG Qian, SHI Naman, LI Siqi, GAN Lulu, ZHOU Shuang, SHA Sha, ZHANG Ruquan, LUO Lei. Construction of MXene-based conductive fabrics and their multifunctional applications [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2024, 45(09): 137-145.
[9] WANG Nan, SUN Hui, YU Bin, XU Lei, ZHU Xiangxiang. Preparation and sensing performances of flexible temperature sensor prepared from melt-blown nonwoven materials [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2024, 45(05): 138-146.
[10] JIA Xiaoya, WANG Ruining, SUN Runjun. Preparation and stab-resistance of composites fabricated by aramid fabric impregnated with SiO2/poly(ethylene glycol)200/ multi-walled carbon nanotube shear thickening solution [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2024, 45(04): 151-159.
[11] SONG Gongji, WANG Yuyu, WANG Shanlong, WANG Jiannan, XU Jianmei. Research progress in artificial nerve conduit prepared by carbon nanotube-doped polymer [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2023, 44(11): 232-239.
[12] XU Ruidong, WANG Hang, QU Lijun, TIAN Mingwei. Preparation and properties of polyactic acid nonwoven substrate touch-sensing electronic textile [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2023, 44(09): 161-167.
[13] JIANG Yifei, TIAN Yankuan, DAI Jun, WANG Xueli, LI Faxue, YU Jianyong, GAO Tingting. Design of solar-driven multistage desalination device and investigation of water collection rate [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2023, 44(08): 9-17.
[14] ZHANG Shaoyue, YUE Jiangyu, YANG Jiale, CHAI Xiaoshuai, FENG Zengguo, ZHANG Aiying. Preparation and properties of eco-friendly polycaprolactone-based composite phase change fibrous membranes [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2023, 44(03): 11-18.
[15] PU Haihong, HE Pengxin, SONG Baiqing, ZHAO Dingying, LI Xinfeng, ZHANG Tianyi, MA Jianhua. Preparation of cellulose/carbon nanotube composite fiber and its functional applications [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2023, 44(01): 79-86.
Viewed
Full text


Abstract

Cited
  Shared   
  Discussed   
No Suggested Reading articles found!
京ICP备14006648号
Copyright 2021 © Editorial office of Journal of Textile Research
Supported by Beijing Magtech Co.Ltd