Direct Ink Writing Silver/PVDF/MXene Multilayered Multifunctional Tactile Sensor

Abstract

Rapid growth in health care and robotics demands that tactile sensors have integrated physical and biochemical sensing within the same materials system at a relatively low cost. To address this, we develop a direct ink writing (DIW) fabricated, multilayered sensor architecture featuring two distinct printed patterns: an interdigitated electrode (IDE) pattern for physical sensing and a three-electrode configuration for biochemical sensing. The IDE pattern enables proximity and pressure sensing through the conductive networks formed by the MXene-PVDF composite layer, while the three-electrode pattern is designed for biochemical sensing, specifically detecting the H1N1 virus by leveraging MXene's functionalized surface terminations. Both patterns share the same layered structure, consisting of a top MXene-PVDF composite layer, an intermediate pure PVDF layer for mechanical stability, and a silver paste base layer for robust electrical interfacing and optimized interlayer adhesion. Finally, by integrating the IDE and three-electrode patterns into a robotic arm, we create an automated detection system capable of simultaneous physical and biochemical sensing. This system demonstrates significant potential for real-world applications, such as customs security screening, where enhanced efficiency and accuracy are achieved through the seamless combination of physical and biochemical sensing.