An Ion Channel‐Induced Self‐Powered Flexible Pressure Sensor Based on Potentiometric Transduction Mechanism

Abstract

Abstract Great efforts have been made to build multifunctional flexible pressure sensing devices to enable future wearable electronics. However, a green‐safe, cost‐effective, self‐powered integrated pressure sensing system remains challenging. Herein, an all‐solid‐state pressure sensing rGM (rGO/GO/PVA nanofibers/MXene) system is designed and developed based on a mechanical potentiometric transduction (MPT) mechanism, which converts mechanical stimulation into the change in the ion transport channel and encodes it into the measured potential difference between two electrodes with hydrated GO, thereby generating potential conduction behavior as well as a programmable stable voltage and current. The self‐powered rGM sensor can yield an output open‐circuit voltage of 0.58 V and a short‐circuit current density of 3.2 µA cm –2 when experiencing a steady mechanical pressure. Unlike typical pressure sensors, rGM sensors have an ultrawide detection range (0.7 Pa–1300 kPa), high stability (maintain 95% performance after 5000 cycles), high adjustability, simple preparation method, implying that the rGM sensor can provide real‐time monitoring for human physiological signals without an external power supply, which has a wide‐range impact on medical care. This work presents a new design based on the MPT mechanism that will significantly simplify manufacturing while improving the performance of future electronic devices and smart systems.