All-Fabric Capacitive\nPressure Sensors with Piezoelectric\nNanofibers for Wearable Electronics and Robotic Sensing

Abstract

Flexible pressure sensors are increasingly sought after\nfor applications\nranging from physiological signal monitoring to robotic sensing; however,\nthe challenges associated with fabricating highly sensitive, comfortable,\nand cost-effective sensors remain formidable. This study presents\na high-performance, all-fabric capacitive pressure sensor (AFCPS)\nthat incorporates piezoelectric nanofibers. Through the meticulous\noptimization of conductive fiber electrodes and P(VDF-TrFE) nanofiber\ndielectric layers, the AFCPS exhibits exceptional attributes such\nas high sensitivity (4.05 kPa^–1), an ultralow detection\nlimit (0.6 Pa), an extensive detection range (∼100 kPa), rapid\nresponse time (<26 ms), and robust stability (>14,000 cycles).\nThe sensor’s porous structure enhances its compressibility,\nwhile its piezoelectric properties expedite charge separation, thereby\nincreasing the interface capacitance and augmenting overall performance.\nThese features are elucidated further through multiphysical field-coupling\nsimulations and experimental testing. Owing to its comprehensive superior\nperformance, the AFCPS has demonstrated its efficacy in monitoring\nhuman activity and physiological signals, as well as in discerning\nsoft robotic grasping movements. Additionally, we have successfully\nimplemented multiple AFCPS units as pressure sensor arrays to ascertain\nspatial pressure distribution and enable intelligent robotic gripping.\nOur research underscores the promising potential of the AFCPS device\nin wearable electronics and robotic sensing, thereby contributing\nsignificantly to the advancement of high-performance fabric-based\nsensors.