Flexible and self-powered temperature–pressure dual-parameter sensors using microstructure-frame-supported organic thermoelectric materials

TLDR

Skin‑like temperature‑ and pressure‑sensing capabilities are essential for next‑generation AI products, yet simultaneous detection with a single device remains a challenge. We develop flexible dual‑parameter temperature–pressure sensors based on microstructure‑frame‑supported organic thermoelectric (MFSOTE) materials. The sensors use a microstructure frame to support organic thermoelectric layers, enabling independent electrical transduction of temperature and pressure into two separate signals. The devices deliver <0.1 K temperature resolution, 28.9 kPa⁻¹ pressure sensitivity, are self‑powered, and offer low‑cost, large‑area fabrication suitable for e‑skin and health‑monitoring applications.

Abstract

Abstract Skin-like temperature- and pressure-sensing capabilities are essential features for the next generation of artificial intelligent products. Previous studies of e-skin and smart elements have focused on flexible pressure sensors, whereas the simultaneous and sensitive detection of temperature and pressure with a single device remains a challenge. Here we report developing flexible dual-parameter temperature–pressure sensors based on microstructure-frame-supported organic thermoelectric (MFSOTE) materials. The effective transduction of temperature and pressure stimuli into two independent electrical signals permits the instantaneous sensing of temperature and pressure with an accurate temperature resolution of &lt;0.1 K and a high-pressure-sensing sensitivity of up to 28.9 kPa −1 . More importantly, these dual-parameter sensors can be self-powered with outstanding sensing performance. The excellent sensing properties of MFSOTE-based devices, together with their unique advantages of low cost and large-area fabrication, make MFSOTE materials possess promising applications in e-skin and health-monitoring elements.