Elastic Multifunctional Pressure Sensor Based on C–NiCoZn–O/CMF Composites for Polar Exploration

Flexible and wearable pressure sensors have attracted significant attention due to their wide range of potential applications. However, they often suffer from low sensitivity, narrow pressure detection range, and poor mechanical flexibility. In this work, a multifunctional 3D pressure sensor based on a ternary metal oxide@carbon-based sponge (C–NiCoZn–O/CMF) was developed by the hydrothermal method. The pressure feedback layer of the sensor was uniformly coated with C–NiCoZn–O on the surface of the framework, which improved the device’s conductivity, sensitivity, and stability significantly. The sensitivities of 41.99, 23.39, and 11.19 kPa –1 are in the ranges 0–4.01, 4.01–8.39, and 8.39–20.1 kPa, respectively, and the cyclic retention rate exceeded 90% after 2000 cycles. The C–NiCoZn–O/CMF composite demonstrated excellent electrochemical performance as an electrode for supercapacitors, with a high specific capacity of 2030 mF/cm 2 at a current density of 1 mA/cm 2 and a high capacity retention rate of 81.55% after 4000 cycles. As a multifunctional device, when integrated with a microprocessor, it can easily detect and process a large amount of human physiological signal data in daily work scenarios. Present composites maintain adjustable conductivity and extremely high elasticity even under extreme conditions such as liquid nitrogen and high temperatures up to 85.6 °C. This work is expected to play a great role in polar exploration, volcano survey, deep space exploration, etc.