journal article·2025-08

Double‐Layered Microcracks Coupled Strain Sensors with High Sensitivity and Wide Working Range

Zihao Wang, Cuiyuan Liang, Jing Sun, Yuanhe Yang, Jiaxue Sun, Gongwei Tian, Dan Yang, Qinyi Zhao, Hua Liu, Cong Ma, Xuelin Zhang, Yu Wang, Ying Jiang, Yan Liu, Dianpeng Qi

Small· Volume 21· Issue 31
Publisher page

Abstract

Abstract The flexible strain sensor is a crucial component of wearable technology, offering considerable potential for monitoring physiological signals. Notably, strain sensors based on nanomaterial thin films have gained much attention from researchers due to their excellent performance and ease of preparation. Nevertheless, challenges remain, such as the rapid expansion of cracks in rigid conductive films under strain, which greatly reduces the working range of the sensors. Soft conductive films characterized by small cracks can lead to low sensitivity. This study introduces a novel conductive strategy centered on the double‐layered microcracks of gold/PPy (Polypyrrole) composite films. The as‐prepared strain sensor exhibits ultrahigh sensitivity with a GF (gauge factor) of ≈3.604 × 10 7 , an expansive working range spanning from 0% to 60%, high strain resolution at 0.02%, and commendable cycling stability. The crack formation and sensing mechanisms are thoroughly investigated, elucidating the key role of the double‐layered microcracks in enhancing sensing performance. Ultimately, the practicality of the developed sensors for human health monitoring and human–machine interaction is demonstrated by the accurate detection of vital signs, body motions, weight, and sounds, and the transmission of encrypted messages.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials · Conducting polymers and applications · Tactile and Sensory Interactions

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Harbin Institute of Technology Harbin 150001 P. R. China

Neural Engineering Centre Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen 518055 China

School of Astronautics Harbin Institute of Technology Harbin 150001 P. R. China

Key Laboratory of Science and Engineering for the Multi‐modal Prevention and Control of Major Chronic Diseases Ministry of Industry and Information Technology Zhengzhou Research Institute of Harbin Institute of Technology Zhengzhou 450000 P. R. China

State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment School of Mechanical Engineering Hebei University of Technology Tianjin 300401 P. R. China

Department of Electromechanical Engineering and Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics University of Macau Macau SAR 999078 P. R. China

National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental Nutrients Harbin 150001 P. R. China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China · National Key Research and Development Program of China · Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province

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