journal article·2026-06-04Open access

Hydrogel Stack‐Tailored Logics and High‐Fidelity Multimodal Sensors Promoted by Precisely Evaluated Ionic Migration

Haoran Chen, Hongjian Zhang, Zhonghui Shen, Taeuk Eom, Hyunseung Kim, Delong He, Jinbo Bai, Geon‐Tae Hwang, Yong Zhang, Chang Kyu Jeong

Abstract

ABSTRACT Self‐powered flexible sensors represent indispensable components in tactile sensing and wearable electronic systems. In biological organisms, intracellular and extracellular ion transport underpin the precise perception, transmission, and processing of tactile stimuli. Inspired by these natural mechanisms, four types of self‐powered multifunctional sensors were developed based on the controlled motion of ions within cationic poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) and anionic sodium polystyrene sulfonate ionomers. The sensors exhibit a p–n junction configuration, where a depletion layer is established at the ionomer interface. Through the incorporation of 2D MXenes and 1D carbon nanotubes (CNTs), the electrical conductivity was optimized, yielding an open‐circuit voltage of approximately 75 mV and a short‐circuit current density of ∼67 µA cm − 2 . The distinct rectification behavior (ratio ≈ 8.8) enables logic circuit functionality, while the tunable assembly of sensing units into arrays allows precise discrimination of compression, bending, and directional stress stimuli. Unlike conventional pressure‐sensing arrays, each unit in the present system displays unique sensing characteristics. This work offers a new paradigm for the rational design of high‐performance, self‐powered ionic sensors for next‐generation flexible and wearable electronics.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials · Advanced Materials and Mechanics · Dielectric materials and actuators

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

Affiliations

State Key Laboratory of Advanced Glass Materials School of Materials Science and Engineering Wuhan University of Technology Wuhan China

Center for Smart Materials and Device Integration Wuhan University of Technology Wuhan China

Department of JBNU‐KIST Industry‐Academia Convergence Research Jeonbuk National University Jeonju Jeonbuk Republic of Korea

Division of Advanced Materials Engineering Jeonbuk National University Jeonju Jeonbuk Republic of Korea

Department of Energy Storage/Conversion Engineering of Graduate School (BK21 FOUR) Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Research Center Jeonbuk National University Jeonju Jeonbuk Republic of Korea

LMPS‒Laboratoire De Mécanique Paris‐Saclay Université Paris‐Saclay CentraleSupélec, ENS Paris‐Saclay CNRS Gif‐sur‐Yvette France

G.‐T. Hwang, Department of Materials Science and Engineering Pukyong National University Busan Republic of Korea

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China · Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province · Ministry of Education

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