Nanostructured ZIF-8 to Activate Bacteriostatic and Ultrasensitivity of Graphene-Based Piezoresistive Sensors for Intelligent Recognition

Abstract

Wearable pressure sensors with excellent performance have broad application potential in flexible electronics, motion detection, healthcare biomonitoring, etc. However, it remains a critical challenge to achieve high sensitivity, broad sensing range, excellent mechanical stability, fast response/recovery, and advanced characteristics simultaneously. Herein, a 3D flexible wearable piezoresistive sensor with high sensitivity, broad range, and rapid response is established via the utilization of reduced graphene oxide (rGO), zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), and polyurethane (PU) sponge. This rGO-ZIF-8@PU hybrid sensor exhibits ultrahigh sensitivity (243.24 kPa^–1), wide detection range (0–200 kPa), fast response/recovery time (70 ms/80 ms), outstanding repeatability (over 5000 cycles), and satisfactory sensitivity retention (∼90%). In addition, this sensor also achieves an outstanding bacteriostatic property and brilliant breathability, providing ample convenience for the comfort and health of wearable devices. Besides, the strong ability to recognize multiple target objects endows our sensor with a more advanced mission, which could be of great help in assisting the lives of blind people. This outstanding 3D piezoresistive sensor shows broad application prospects in the next generation of electronic skin, healthcare, and artificial intelligence.