Free Deformable Nanofibers Enhanced Tribo-Sensors for Sleep and Tremor Monitoring

Stretchable and soft wearable electronics have aroused extensive interest. However, flexible, stretchable, and free deformable electronics, which can realize a perfect mechanical match with the curvy surface of skin, are still highly desired. Here, we present a free deformable tribo-sensor (FDTS) by encapsulating conductive ionic solution with an ultrathin stretchable nanofiber-enhanced composite film. After embedding part of electrospun nanofibers into the surface of an ultrathin elastic film, the composite film possesses a better tensile property, higher triboelectrification performance, and increased waterproof ability. Based on the nanostructural nanofibers, the self-powered FDTS has high sensitivity. The shape-adaptivity of the FDTS ensures its fantastic performance in “feeling” the wink of a person when integrated into an eye patch, which can be used to monitor one’s sleeping status. The application of the FDTS in detecting a hand tremble and finger motion for early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease has been demonstrated as well. Given features like desired shape-adaptivity and high electrical performance, the self-powered FDTS holds great potential for wearable electronics.