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Abstract |
Nonbiodegradable components, such as synthetic polymers, have been widely used in the fabrication of flexible piezoresistive sensors and electronic skins (e-skins), resulting in the generation of electronic waste (e-waste) and toxic by-products. To overcome this issue, a wide range of biodegradable natural biopolymers and synthetic polymers have been employed. However, most of the current biodegradable e-skins demonstrate limitations such as low sensitivity, poor electrical conductivity, limited breathability, and low stability. To address these limitations, this study proposes a highly breathable and ultrasensitive piezoresistive e-skin based on the oxidized single-walled carbon nanotube (Ox-SWCNT)/silver nanowire (AgNW)-coated leaf skeletons. The developed disposable piezoresistive e-skin exhibits a remarkable performance including high sensitivity (19.75 ± 1.5 kPa, <3 kPa), sensing range of ≤42 kPa, ultralow limit of detection (∼0.27 Pa), linearity for low- and high-pressure regimes, high flexibility, high stability (3000 cycles), low weight, ultrahigh breathability, and biodegradability. In addition, the developed leaf-based e-skin demonstrates outstanding sensing performance in human-motion monitoring by detecting various motions such as subtle and vigorous flexions, airflow, and vocal-cord vibrations. The proposed piezoresistive e-skin is a promising platform for the development of various low-cost, biocompatible, fully biodegradable, and point-of-care (POC) e-skins for a wide range of subtle and vigorous pressure-monitoring applications including human–machine interfaces (HMIs), robotics, prosthesis, and flexible electronics. |
