Dual-purpose solution: Bioinspired microstructured flexible polydimethylsiloxane pressure sensor for high-sensitivity detection and environmental adaptability

Abstract

Flexible pressure sensors based on conductive composite films exhibit significant potential for applications in electronic skin, medical monitoring, and motion detection due to their pressure-sensitive electrical conductivity. However, simultaneously achieving high sensitivity and a wide detection range remains a formidable challenge. In this study, we propose a novel approach to fabricate a flexible pressure-sensitive film featuring a bioinspired microdome structure reminiscent of rose petals, utilizing solution blending and spin-coating methods. We hypothesize that this unique microstructural design could enable the sensor to achieve both high sensitivity (e.g., up to 1.475 kPa⁻¹) and a broad detection range without compromising its response to various stimuli, including pressure and humidity. Specifically, the microdome architecture is expected to enhance the film’s deformability and hydrophobicity, thereby improving its environmental stability and sensing performance under varying conditions. The structured carbon black (CB) film, incorporating the rose microdome architecture, demonstrates high sensitivity (1.475 kPa⁻¹), enduring up to 2160 repeated cycles, a detection limit of 0.4 kPa, and detection range 0.4–40 kPa, which is equivalent to the weight of a single sheet of paper (6 mg), thereby allowing for accurate monitoring of subtle human movements. Furthermore, this multifunctional integrated thin-film sensor shows considerable potential for real-time strain and temperature detection. The developed flexible pressure sensor, composed of adsorbed carbon black (CB@PDMS), holds promising application prospects in wearable smart sensors.