Flexible and Wearable Strain–Temperature Sensors Based on Chitosan/Ink Sponges

Abstract

A simple and economic strategy to construct a chitosan-ink carbon nanoparticle sponge sensor was proposed by freeze-drying of chitosan and Chinese ink mixture solution. The microstructure and physical properties of the composite sponges with different ratios are characterized. The interfacial compatibility of chitosan and carbon nanoparticles in ink is satisfied, and the mechanical property and porosity of chitosan was increased by the incorporation of carbon nanoparticles. Due to excellent conductivity and good photothermal conversion effect of the carbon nanoparticles in ink, the constructed flexible sponge sensor has satisfactory strain and temperature sensing performance and high sensitivity (133.05 ms). In addition, these sensors can be successfully applied to monitor the large joint movement of the human body and the movement of muscle groups near the esophagus. Dual functionally integrated sponge sensors show great potential for strain and temperature detection in real time. The prepared chitosan-ink carbon nanoparticle composite shows promising applications in wearable smart sensors.