journal article·2025-11Open access

Ultra‐Broad Range and High Sensitivity Flexible Pressure Sensing Enabled by Hierarchical Microstructure With Multi‐Path Conduction Mechanisms

Xingfa Gao, Rixuan Wang, Yuzhen Huang, Yujing Sheng, Yixiang Song, Yinglun Sun

EcoMat· Volume 7· Issue 11

Abstract

ABSTRACT Flexible pressure sensors hold transformative potential in personalized healthcare and motion‐aware electronics. However, constrained by a single conduction mechanism, current sensors still face significant challenges in simultaneously achieving high sensitivity, wide range, and robust stability. Herein, a gradient doping hierarchical microstructure flexible piezoresistive sensor with multi‐path conduction mechanisms is developed. The synergistic combination of micro‐engineered surfaces and spatially graded doping enables significant resistance variation at low pressures, yielding a high sensitivity of 101.1 kPa −1 . Multi‐path conduction mechanisms (including surface resistance, interlayer electrode resistance, interlayer contact resistance, interlayer tunneling resistance, and bulk resistance) enable tunable resistivity under high loads, extending the sensing range from 0.32 Pa to 3.6 MPa (a span of seven orders of magnitude). Moreover, the integrated full‐carbon nanotubes/polydimethylsiloxane design shows high stability, durability (over 5000 cycles), and fast response/recovery time (10/58 ms). As a proof of concept, the sensor's application for broad‐range biomechanical monitoring has been validated, spanning from subtle pulse waveform detection to high‐intensity plantar pressure monitoring. This work advances next‐generation wearables for simultaneous high‐fidelity physiological tracking and extreme‐force kinematic analysis.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials · Dielectric materials and actuators · Conducting polymers and applications

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

Affiliations

Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences Jinan China

Institute of Medical Engineering and Interdisciplinary Research, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences Jinan China

Medical Engineering and Technology Research Center, School of Radiology Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences Taian China

Funding

Science and Technology Support Plan for Youth Innovation of Colleges and Universities of Shandong Province of China · National Natural Science Foundation of China · Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province

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