Reduced graphene oxide/polyaniline encapsulated SiO2 microspheres improve sensitivity and range of a piezoresistive pressure sensor

Wood sponges, characterized by their low density and highly anisotropic porous structure, demonstrate significant potential for wearable and flexible electronic devices. However, fabricating multifunctional integrated sensors with wide operating ranges and linear response characteristics remains a challenge. In this study, we propose a polyaniline/graphene-modified wood sponge piezoresistive sensing material (PGWS). The synergistic interaction between polyaniline (PANI) microspheres and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets enhances the structural stability of the sensor. The PGWS material exhibits high compressibility (up to 70% strain), excellent elasticity (95.36% height retention after 200 compression cycles), high sensitivity, and a broad pressure detection range (0–200 kPa). These advancements significantly improve the application prospects of wood sponge-based piezoresistive sensors in next-generation flexible electronics.