A Novel Hollow Graphene/Polydimethylsiloxane Composite for Pressure Sensors with High Sensitivity and Superhydrophobicity

Flexible pressure sensors have attracted great interest as they play an important role in various fields such as health monitoring and human–machine interactions. The design of the pressure sensors still faces challenges in achieving a high sensitivity for a wide sensing range, and the interference of water restricts the applications of the sensors. Herein, we developed a graphene–polydimethylsiloxane film combining a hierarchical surface with nanowrinkles on it and a hollow structure. The microstructure design of the composite can be facilely controlled to improve the sensing and hydrophobic performance by tailoring the microsphere building units. Attributed to the irregular surface and hollow structure of the sensing layer, the optimized sensor exhibits a superior sensitivity of 1085 kPa –1 in a 50 kPa linear range. For practical applications, the nanowrinkles on the surface of the microspheres and the polymer coating endow the composite with waterproof properties. Inspired by the dual receptors of the skin, two designed microstructured films can simply integrate into one with double-sided microstructures. The sensing performance and the water-repellence property allow the sensor to detect physiological signals under both ambient and underwater conditions. Furthermore, underwater stimuli detection and communication are demonstrated. This method of fabricating a flexible sensor shows great potential in wearable and robotic fields.