Bioinspired and bristled microparticles for ultrasensitive pressure and strain sensors

Bing Yin, Xiaomeng Liu, Hongyan Gao, Tianda Fu and Jun Yao ()
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Bing Yin: University of Massachusetts
Xiaomeng Liu: University of Massachusetts
Hongyan Gao: University of Massachusetts
Tianda Fu: University of Massachusetts
Jun Yao: University of Massachusetts

Nature Communications, 2018, vol. 9, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract Biological sensory organelles are often structurally optimized for high sensitivity. Tactile hairs or bristles are ubiquitous mechanosensory organelles in insects. The bristle features a tapering spine that not only serves as a lever arm to promote signal transduction, but also a clever design to protect it from mechanical breaking. A hierarchical distribution over the body further improves the signal detection from all directions. We mimic these features by using synthetic zinc oxide microparticles, each having spherically-distributed, high-aspect-ratio, and high-density nanostructured spines resembling biological bristles. Sensors based on thin films assembled from these microparticles achieve static-pressure detection down to 0.015 Pa, sensitivity up to 121 kPa−1, and a strain gauge factor >104, showing supreme overall performance. Other properties including a robust cyclability >2000, fast response time ~7 ms, and low-temperature synthesis compatible to various integrations further indicate the potential of this sensor technology in applying to wearable technologies and human interfaces.

Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07672-2

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