Bioinspired Passive Tactile Sensors Enabled by Reversible Polarization of Conjugated Polymers

Tactile perception plays a vital role for the human body and is also highly desired for smart prosthesis and advanced robots.Compared to active sensing devices,passive piezoelectric and triboelectric tactile sensors consume less power,but lack the capability to resolve static stimuli.Here,we address this issue by utilizing the unique polarization chemistry of conjugated polymers for the first time and propose a new type of bioinspired,passive,and bio-friendly tactile sensors for resolving both static and dynamic stimuli.Specifically,to emulate the polarization process of natural sensory cells,conjugated polymers(including poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophen e):poly(styrenesulfonate),polyaniline,or polypyrrole)are controllably polarized into two opposite states to create artificial potential differences.The controllable and reversible polarization process of the conjugated polymers is fully in situ characterized.Then,a micro-structured ionic electrolyte is employed to imitate the natural ion channels and to encode external touch stimulations into the variation in potential difference outputs.Compared with the currently existing tactile sensing devices,the developed tactile sensors feature distinct characteristics including fully organic composition,high sensitivity(up to 773 mV N^(−1)),ultralow power consumption(nW),as well as superior bio-friendliness.As demonstrations,both single point tactile perception(surface texture perception and material property perception)and two-dimensional tactile recognitions(shape or profile perception)with high accuracy are successfully realized using self-defined machine learning algorithms.This tactile sensing concept innovation based on the polarization chemistry of conjugated polymers opens up a new path to create robotic tactile sensors and prosthetic electronic skins.

Fabrication Techniques and Sensing Mechanisms of Textile‑Based Strain Sensors:From Spatial 1D and 2D Perspectives

The intelligent textile sensors based on fiber(1D)and fabric(2D)are the ideal candidates for wearable devices.Their flexible weaving and unique structure endow them with flexibility,lightweight,good air permeability,and feasible integration with garments.In view of the spring-up of novel textile-based strain sensors,the novel materials and fabrication approaches were elaborated from spatial perspectives,i.e.,1D fibers/yarn and 2D fabric.The intrinsic sensing mechanism is the primary fac-tor affecting sensor sensitivity,and the variation trend of the sensing signal is closely related to it.Although existing studies have involved various sensing mechanisms,there is still lacking systematic classification and discussion.Hence,the sensing mechanisms of textile-based sensors were elaborated from spatial perspectives.Considering that strain sensors were mostly based on resistance variation,the sensing mechanisms of resistive textile-based strain sensors were mainly focused,mainly including fiber deformation,tunneling effect,crack propagation,fabric deformation,electrical contact and bridge connec-tion.Meanwhile,the corresponding resistance prediction models,usually used as important data fitting methodology,were also comprehensively discussed,which can reproduce the resistance trend and provide guidance for the sensor performance.Finally,the multifunctionality of textile-based strain sensors was summarized,namely multi-mode signal detection,visual interaction,energy collection,thermal management and medical treatment were discussed.It was expected to provide research insights into the multifunctional integration of textile sensors.

Collaborative positioning for swarms:A brief survey of vision,LiDAR and wireless sensors based methods

As positioning sensors,edge computation power,and communication technologies continue to develop,a moving agent can now sense its surroundings and communicate with other agents.By receiving spatial information from both its environment and other agents,an agent can use various methods and sensor types to localize itself.With its high flexibility and robustness,collaborative positioning has become a widely used method in both military and civilian applications.This paper introduces the basic fundamental concepts and applications of collaborative positioning,and reviews recent progress in the field based on camera,LiDAR(Light Detection and Ranging),wireless sensor,and their integration.The paper compares the current methods with respect to their sensor type,summarizes their main paradigms,and analyzes their evaluation experiments.Finally,the paper discusses the main challenges and open issues that require further research.

Intelligent Recognition Using Ultralight Multifunctional Nano‑Layered Carbon Aerogel Sensors with Human‑Like Tactile Perception

Humans can perceive our complex world through multi-sensory fusion.Under limited visual conditions,people can sense a variety of tactile signals to identify objects accurately and rapidly.However,replicating this unique capability in robots remains a significant challenge.Here,we present a new form of ultralight multifunctional tactile nano-layered carbon aerogel sensor that provides pressure,temperature,material recognition and 3D location capabilities,which is combined with multimodal supervised learning algorithms for object recognition.The sensor exhibits human-like pressure(0.04–100 kPa)and temperature(21.5–66.2℃)detection,millisecond response times(11 ms),a pressure sensitivity of 92.22 kPa^(−1)and triboelectric durability of over 6000 cycles.The devised algorithm has universality and can accommodate a range of application scenarios.The tactile system can identify common foods in a kitchen scene with 94.63%accuracy and explore the topographic and geomorphic features of a Mars scene with 100%accuracy.This sensing approach empowers robots with versatile tactile perception to advance future society toward heightened sensing,recognition and intelligence.

MXene-Based Elastomer Mimetic StretchableSensors: Design, Properties, and Applications

Flexible sensors based on MXene-polymer composites are highly prospective for next-generation wearable electronics used in human-machine interfaces.One of the motivating factors behind the progress of flexible sensors is the steady arrival of new conductive materials.MXenes,a new family of 2D nanomaterials,have been draw-ing attention since the last decade due to their high electronic conduc-tivity,processability,mechanical robustness and chemical tunability.In this review,we encompass the fabrication of MXene-based polymeric nanocomposites,their structure-property relationship,and applications in the flexible sensor domain.Moreover,our discussion is not only lim-ited to sensor design,their mechanism,and various modes of sensing platform,but also their future perspective and market throughout the world.With our article,we intend to fortify the bond between flexible matrices and MXenes thus promoting the swift advancement of flexible MXene-sensors for wearable technologies.

Low‑Cost,Scalable Fabrication of All‑Fabric Piezoresistive Sensors via Binder‑Free,In‑Situ Welding of Carbon Nanotubes on Bicomponent Nonwovens

Wearable piezoresistive sensors have shown enormous application prospects in flexible electronics and human-machine interfaces.However,current piezoresistive sensors suffer from common deficiencies including high fabrication cost,poor comfort and low attachment fastness of conductive substances on substrates,thereby impeding their large-scale production and practical use.Herein,a three-dimensional all-fabric piezoresistive sensor is reported based on coating multi-wall carbon nanotubes(MWCNTs)on bicomponent nonwovens composed of core-sheath fibers.The combination of core-sheath fibers with a heat-induced welding strategy greatly improves the adhesion fastness and stability of MWCNT network.The multi-layered all-fabric structure provides as-prepared sensors with high sensitivity(9.43%kPa^(-1)in 0-10 kPa and 0.076%kPa^(-1)in 20-120 kPa),wide pressure-sensing range(0-120 kPa),fast response/relaxation time(100 and 60 ms),good reproducibility and air permeability.Application of the sensor is demonstrated through the detection of human activities(such as pulse,cough and joint movements)and the wireless monitoring of forefinger bending.Moreover,our sensor is fabricated out of cost-effective materials,using scalable approach without using glue or binders.The method established in this work may provide an efficient strategy for the design and production of high-performance all-fabric piezoresistive sensors.

Electrochemical biosensors for point-of-care testing

Point-of-care testing(POCT)is the practice of diagnosing and monitoring diseases where the patient is located,as opposed to traditional treatment conducted solely in a medical laboratory or other clinical setting.POCT has been less common in the recent past due to a lack of portable medical devices capable of facilitating effective medical testing.However,recent growth has occurred in this field due to advances in diagnostic technologies,device miniaturization,and progress in wearable electronics.Among these developments,electrochemical sensors have attracted interest in the POCT field due to their high sensitivity,compact size,and affordability.They are used in various applications,from disease diagnosis to health status monitoring.In this paper we explore recent advancements in electrochemical sensors,the methods of fabricating them,and the various types of sensing mechanisms that can be used.Furthermore,we delve into methods for immobilizing specific biorecognition elements,including enzymes,antibodies,and aptamers,onto electrode surfaces and how these sensors are used in real-world POCT settings.

Non‑Enzyme,Temperature Calibrating,and Bioactive Fiber‑based Flexible Sensors for Dopamine and Lactic Acid Detection

Flexible electrochemical biosensors enable the in-situ monitoring and quantification of human biochemical constituents in molecular scale,spearheading and thriving the field toward precision medicine.However,specific biorecognition elements for multiplexed biomarkers detection,temperature stability and versatility need to be improved for higher adaption.Here,we propose a bioactive sensor patch comprising a non-enzyme Co_(3)O_(4)/carbon fiber-based biorecognition element and a temperature calibration unit.The optimized serpentine configuration renders the sensor intimate and seamless attachment with skin,operating robustly even subjected to 40%tensile strain.The fiber-based sensor could selectively monitor dopa-mine and lactic acid contents based on cyclic voltammetry and amperometry,respectively.The bioanalytical results at room temperature indicate that the electrochemical biosensor has a wide detection range(0.001–1.100 mM for dopamine and 2–35 mM for lactic acid),excellent selectivity and reproducibility(maximum error 3.2%for dopamine and 5.6%for lactic acid).In addition,temperature calibration contour maps of these two biomarkers are established in an ambient temperature range from 25 to 45℃.The continuously collected data could be aggregated and wirelessly transmitted to portable devices using an electrochemical signal transducer and an acquisition module,promising personalized and preventative health care in various scenarios.

Comparison of displacement damage effects on the dark signal in CMOS image sensors induced by CSNS back-n and XAPR neutrons

This study investigates the effects of displacement damage on the dark signal of a pinned photodiode CMOS image sensor(CIS)following irradiation with back-streaming white neutrons from white neutron sources at the China spallation neutron source(CSNS)and Xi'an pulsed reactor(XAPR).The mean dark signal,dark signal non-uniformity(DSNU),dark signal distribution,and hot pixels of the CIS were compared between the CSNS back-n and XAPR neutron irradiations.The nonionizing energy loss and energy distribution of primary knock-on atoms in silicon,induced by neutrons,were calculated using the open-source package Geant4.An analysis combining experimental and simulation results showed a noticeable proportionality between the increase in the mean dark signal and the displacement damage dose(DDD).Additionally,neutron energies influence DSNU,dark signal distribution,and hot pixels.High neutron energies at the same DDD level may lead to pronounced dark signal non-uniformity and elevated hot pixel values.

Progress of Proximity Sensors for Potential Applications in Electronic Skins

Recently,electronic skins and fl exible wearable devices have been developed for widespread applications in medical monitoring,artifi cial intelligence,human–machine interaction,and artifi cial prosthetics.Flexible proximity sensors can accurately perceive external objects without contact,introducing a new way to achieve an ultrasensitive perception of objects.This article reviews the progress of fl exible capacitive proximity sensors,fl exible triboelectric proximity sensors,and fl exible gate-enhanced proximity sensors,focusing on their applications in the electronic skin fi eld.Herein,their working mechanism,materials,preparation methods,and research progress are discussed in detail.Finally,we summarize the future challenges in developing fl exible proximity sensors.

Holistic and localized preparation methods for triboelectric sensors:principles,applications and perspectives

With the arrival of intelligent terminals,triboelectric nanogenerators,as a new kind of energy converter,are considered one of the most important technologies for the next generation of intelligent electronics.As a self-powered sensor,it can greatly reduce the power consumption of the entire sensing system by transforming external mechanical energy to electricity.However,the fabrication method of triboelectric sensors largely determines their functionality and performance.This review provides an overview of various methods used to fabricate triboelectric sensors,with a focus on the processes of micro-electro-mechanical systems technology,three-dimensional printing,textile methods,template-assisted methods,and material synthesis methods for manufacturing.The working mechanisms and suitable application scenarios of various methods are outlined.Subsequently,the advantages and disadvantages of various methods are summarized,and reference schemes for the subsequent application of these methods are included.Finally,the opportunities and challenges faced by different methods are discussed,as well as their potential for application in various intelligent systems in the Internet of Things.

Advances of Electrochemical and Electrochemiluminescent Sensors Based on Covalent Organic Frameworks

Covalent organic frameworks(COFs),a rapidly developing category of crystalline conjugated organic polymers,possess highly ordered structures,large specific surface areas,stable chemical properties,and tunable pore microenvironments.Since the first report of boroxine/boronate ester-linked COFs in 2005,COFs have rapidly gained popularity,showing important application prospects in various fields,such as sensing,catalysis,separation,and energy storage.Among them,COFs-based electrochemical(EC)sensors with upgraded analytical performance are arousing extensive interest.In this review,therefore,we summarize the basic properties and the general synthesis methods of COFs used in the field of electroanalytical chemistry,with special emphasis on their usages in the fabrication of chemical sensors,ions sensors,immunosensors,and aptasensors.Notably,the emerged COFs in the electrochemiluminescence(ECL)realm are thoroughly covered along with their preliminary applications.Additionally,final conclusions on state-of-the-art COFs are provided in terms of EC and ECL sensors,as well as challenges and prospects for extending and improving the research and applications of COFs in electroanalytical chemistry.

Recent progress on nanomaterial-based electrochemical dissolved oxygen sensors

Dissolved oxygen(DO)usually refers to the amount of oxygen dissolved in water.In the environment,medicine,and fermentation industries,the DO level needs to be accurate and capable of online monitoring to guide the precise control of water quality,clinical treatment,and microbial metabolism.Compared with other analytical methods,the electrochemical strategy is superior in its fast response,low cost,high sensitivity,and portable device.However,an electrochemical DO sensor faces a trade-off between sensitivity and long-term stability,which strongly limits its practical applications.To solve this problem,various advanced nanomaterials have been proposed to promote detection performance owing to their excellent electrocatalysis,conductivity,and chemical stability.Therefore,in this review,we focus on the recent progress of advanced nanomaterial-based electrochemical DO sensors.Through the comparison of the working principles on the main analysis techniques toward DO,the advantages of the electrochemical method are discussed.Emphasis is placed on recently developed nanomaterials that exhibit special characteristics,including nanostructures and preparation routes,to benefit DO determination.Specifically,we also introduce some interesting research on the configuration design of the electrode and device,which is rarely introduced.Then,the different requirements of the electrochemical DO sensors in different application fields are included to provide brief guidance on the selection of appropriate nanomaterials.Finally,the main challenges are evaluated to propose future development prospects and detection strategies for nanomaterial-based electrochemical sensors.

Recent advances and future prospects in tactile sensors for normal and shear force detection,decoupling,and applications

Human skin,through its complex mechanoreceptor system,possesses the exceptional ability to finely perceive and dif-ferentiate multimodal mechanical stimuli,forming the biological foundation for dexterous manipulation,environmental explo-ration,and tactile perception.Tactile sensors that emulate this sensory capability,particularly in the detection,decoupling,and application of normal and shear forces,have made significant strides in recent years.This review comprehensively examines the latest research advancements in tactile sensors for normal and shear force sensing,delving into the design and decoupling methods of multi-unit structures,multilayer encapsulation structures,and bionic structures.It analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of various sensing principles,including piezoresistive,capacitive,and self-powered mechanisms,and evalu-ates their application potential in health monitoring,robotics,wearable devices,smart prosthetics,and human-machine interaction.By systematically summarizing current research progress and technical challenges,this review aims to provide forward-looking insights into future research directions,driving the development of electronic skin technology to ultimately achieve tactile perception capabilities comparable to human skin.

A Review on Soft Ionic Touch Point Sensors

A touch sensor is an essential component in meeting the growing demand for human-machine interfaces.These sensors have been developed in wearable,attachable,and even implantable forms to acquire a wide range of information from humans.To be applied to the human body,sensors are required to be biocompatible and not restrict the natural movement of the body.Ionic materials are a promising candidate for soft touch sensors due to their outstanding properties,which include high stretchability,transparency,ionic conductivity,and biocompatibility.Here,this review discusses the unique features of soft ionic touch point sensors,focusing on the ionic material and its key role in the sensor.The touch sensing mechanisms include piezocapacitive,piezoresistive,surface capacitive,piezoelectric,and triboelectric and triboresistive sensing.This review analyzes the implementation hurdles and future research directions of the soft ionic touch sensors for their transformative potential.

Solvent-Resistant Wearable Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Energy-Harvesting and Self-Powered Sensors

Wearable triboelectric nanogenerators(TENGs)have attracted attention owing to their ability to harvest energy from the surrounding environment without maintenance.Herein,polyetherimide-Al_(2)O_(3)(PAl)and polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene(PVDF-HFP,PH)nanofiber membranes were used as tribo-positive and tribo-negative materials,respectively.Phytic acid-doped polyaniline(PANI)/cotton fabric(PPCF)and ethylenediamine(EDA)-crosslinked PAl(EPAl)nanofiber membranes were used as triboelectrode and triboencapsulation materials,respectively.The result showed that when the PAl-PH-based TENG was shaped as a circle with a radius of 1 cm,under the pressure of 50 N,and the frequency of 0.5 Hz,the open-circuit voltage(V_(oc))and short-circuit current(I_(sc))reached the highest value of 66.6 V and-93.4 to 110.1 nA,respectively.Moreover,the PH-based TENG could be used as a fabric sensor to detect fabric composition and as a sensor-inductive switch for light bulbs or beeping warning devices.When the PAl-PH-based TENG was shaped as a 5×5 cm^(2)rectangle,a 33 pF capacitor could be charged to 15 V in 28 s.Interestingly,compared to PAl nanofiber membranes,EPAl nanofiber membranes exhibited good dyeing properties and excellent solvent resistance.The PPCF exhibited<5%resistance change after washing,bending,and stretching.

Nanomaterial-assisted wearable glucose biosensors for noninvasive real-time monitoring:Pioneering point-of-care and beyond

This review explores glucose monitoring and management strategies,emphasizing the need for reliable and userfriendly wearable sensors that are the next generation of sensors for continuous glucose detection.In addition,examines key strategies for designing glucose sensors that are multi-functional,reliable,and cost-effective in a variety of contexts.The unique features of effective diabetes management technology are highlighted,with a focus on using nano/biosensor devices that can quickly and accurately detect glucose levels in the blood,improving patient treatment and control of potential diabetes-related infections.The potential of next-generation wearable and touch-sensitive nano biomedical sensor engineering designs for providing full control in assessing implantable,continuous glucose monitoring is also explored.The challenges of standardizing drug or insulin delivery doses,low-cost,real-time detection of increased blood sugar levels in diabetics,and early digital health awareness controls for the adverse effects of injectable medication are identified as unmet needs.Also,the market for biosensors is expected to expand significantly due to the rising need for portable diagnostic equipment and an ever-increasing diabetic population.The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for further research and development of glucose biosensors to meet the stringent requirements for sensitivity and specificity imposed by clinical diagnostics while being cost-effective,stable,and durable.

Wrinkled and Fibrous Conductive Bandages with Tunable Mechanoelectrical Response Toward Wearable Strain Sensors

Wearable strain sensors(WSSs)have found widespread applications,where the key is to optimize their sensing and wearing performances.However,the intricate material designs for developing WSSs often rely on costly reagents and/or complex pro-cesses,which bring barriers to their large-scale production and use.Herein,a facile and affordable(material cost of<$0.002/cm2)method is presented for fabricating conductive bandage(CB)-based WSSs by electrospraying a carbon nanotube(CNT)layer on commercial self-adhesive bandages with excellent biosafety,stretchability,mechanical compliance,breathability and cost effectiveness.The wrinkled and fibrous structures of self-adhesive bandages were rationally leverage to control the geometry of CNT layer,thereby ensuring tunable mechanoelectrical sensitivities(gauge factors of 2~850)of CBs.Moreover,a strain-sensing mechanism directly mediated by the highly wrinkled microstructure is unveiled,which can work in synergy with a training-loosened-fibrous microstructure.The excellent performance of CBs for monitoring full-range strain signals in human bodies was further demonstrated.CBs would possess great potential for being developed into WSSs because of their outstanding cost-performance ratio.

The Fabrication and Detection Performance of High Sensitivity Au-Ag Alloy Nanostar/Paper Flexible Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Sensors

Au-Ag alloy nanostars based flexible paper surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy sensors were fabricated through simple nanostar coating on regular office paper,and the surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy detection performances were investigated using crystal violet dye analyte.Au-Ag nanostars with sharp tips were synthesized via metal ions reduction method.Transmission electron microscope images,X-Ray diffraction pattern and energy dispersive spectroscopy elemental mapping confirmed the nanostar geometry and Au/Ag components of the nanostructure.UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectrum shows wide local surface plasmon resonance induced optical extinction.In addition,finite-difference time-domain simulation shows much stronger electromagnetic field from nanostars than from sphere nanoparticle.The effect of coating layer on Raman signal intensities was discussed,and optimized 5-layer coating with best Raman signal was obtained.The Au-Ag nanostatrs homogeneously distribute on paper fiber surface.The detection limit is 10-10 M,and the relationship between analyte concentrations and Raman signal intensities shows well linear,for potential quantitative analysis.The calculated enhancement factor is 4.795×10^(6).The flexible paper surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy sensors could be applied for trace chemical and biology molecule detection.

Isomeric fluorescence sensors for wide range detection of ionizing radiations

In order to achieve a wider range of ionizing radiations detection,novel fluorescence sensing materials have been developed that utilize the fluorescence enhancement phenomenon caused by the intramolecular photoinduced electron transfer(PET)effect.Two perylene diimide isomers PDI-P and PDI-B were designed and synthesized,and their molecular structures were characterized by high-resolution Fourier transform mass spectrometry(HRMS),nuclear magnetic resonance hydrogen and carbon spectroscopy(~1H and~(13)C NMR).The interaction between ionizing radiation and fluorescent molecules was simulated by HCl titration.The results show that combining PDIs and HCl can improve fluorescence through the retro-PET process.Despite the similarities in chemical structures,the fluorescent enhancement multiple of PDI-B with aromatic amine as electron donor is much higher than that of PDI-P with alkyl amine.In the direct irradiation experiments of ionizing radiation,the emission enhancement multiples of PDI-P and PDI-B are 2.01 and 45.4,respectively.Furthermore,density functional theory(DFT)and time-dependent density functional theory(TDDFT)calculations indicate that the HOMO and HOMO-1 energy ranges of PDI-P and PDI-B are 0.54 e V and 1.13 e V,respectively.A wider energy range has a stronger driving force on electrons,which is conducive to fluorescence quenching.Both femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy(fs-TAS)and transient fluorescence spectroscopy(TFS)tests show that PDI-B has shorter charge separation lifetime and higher electron transfer rate constant.Although both isomers can significantly reduce LOD during PET process,PDI-B with aromatic amine has a wider detection range of 0.118—240 Gy due to its larger emission enhancement,which is a leap of three orders of magnitude.It breaks through the detection range of gamma radiation reported in existing studies,and provides theoretical support for the further study of sensitive and effective new materials for ionizing radiation detection.