Highly flexible strain sensor based on ZnO nanowires and P(VDF-TrFE) fibers for wearable electronic device

Abstract

Excellent flexibility, rapid response and high sensitivity are key parameters of strain sensor that can sustain and detect various deformations including stretching, bending and torsion. Developing organic/inorganic nanostructured composites with improved electromechanical performance is still a great challenge due to the instability in the combination and the fragility of inorganic nanomaterials. Herein, we report a new-type strain sensor based on poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) nanofibers/ZnO nanowires composites, taking advantage of electrospinning and hydrothermal process. The as-fabricated device exhibits a high flexibility, ultrafast response and remarkable sensitivity with a gauge factor of 4.59. Especially, it has the capability to detect various stimulations including mechanical deformations such as stretching and bending. The device can easily detect muscle movements like finger bending and straightening.