Flexible Piezoelectric-Induced Pressure Sensors for Static Measurements Based on Nanowires/Graphene Heterostructures

TLDR

Piezoelectric pressure sensors excel at detecting dynamic signals, yet they struggle with static pressure measurement because the piezopotential drives only transient electron flow in the external load. The study introduces a nanowire/graphene heterostructure sensor designed to measure static pressures by exploiting strain‑induced polarization in piezoelectric nanowires and altered carrier scattering in graphene. The sensor operates by combining strain‑induced polarization charges in piezoelectric nanowires with the resulting modulation of carrier scattering in graphene, creating a synergistic response to static pressure. The device achieves a static pressure sensitivity of 9.4 × 10⁻³ kPa⁻¹ and a 5–7 ms response time, demonstrating strong potential for electronic‑skin and wearable applications.

Abstract

The piezoelectric effect is widely applied in pressure sensors for the detection of dynamic signals. However, these piezoelectric-induced pressure sensors have challenges in measuring static signals that are based on the transient flow of electrons in an external load as driven by the piezopotential arisen from dynamic stress. Here, we present a pressure sensor with nanowires/graphene heterostructures for static measurements based on the synergistic mechanisms between strain-induced polarization charges in piezoelectric nanowires and the caused change of carrier scattering in graphene. Compared to the conventional piezoelectric nanowire or graphene pressure sensors, this sensor is capable of measuring static pressures with a sensitivity of up to 9.4 × 10-3 kPa-1 and a fast response time down to 5-7 ms. This demonstration of pressure sensors shows great potential in the applications of electronic skin and wearable devices.