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Li Y, Bai N, Chang Y, Liu Z, Liu J, Li X, Yang W, Niu H, Wang W, Wang L, Zhu W, Chen D, Pan T, Guo CF, Shen G. Flexible iontronic sensing. Chem Soc Rev 2025; 54:4651-4700. [PMID: 40165624 DOI: 10.1039/d4cs00870g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2025]
Abstract
The emerging flexible iontronic sensing (FITS) technology has introduced a novel modality for tactile perception, mimicking the topological structure of human skin while providing a viable strategy for seamless integration with biological systems. With research progress, FITS has evolved from focusing on performance optimization and structural enhancement to a new phase of integration and intelligence, positioning it as a promising candidate for next-generation wearable devices. Therefore, a review from the perspective of technological development trends is essential to fully understand the current state and future potential of FITS devices. In this review, we examine the latest advancements in FITS. We begin by examining the sensing mechanisms of FITS, summarizing research progress in material selection, structural design, and the fabrication of active and electrode layers, while also analysing the challenges and bottlenecks faced by different segments in this field. Next, integrated systems based on FITS devices are reviewed, highlighting their applications in human-machine interaction, healthcare, and environmental monitoring. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence into FITS is explored, focusing on optimizing front-end device design and improving the processing and utilization of back-end data. Finally, building on existing research, future challenges for FITS devices are identified and potential solutions are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- School of Integrated Circuits, Shandong University, Jinan, 250101, China
| | - Ningning Bai
- School of Mechano-Electronic Engineering, Xidian University, Xi'an, 710071, China
| | - Yu Chang
- Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
- Center for Intelligent Medical Equipment and Devices, Institute for Innovative Medical Devices, Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China.
| | - Zhiguang Liu
- Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Jianwen Liu
- School of Integrated Circuits, Shandong University, Jinan, 250101, China
| | - Xiaoqin Li
- School of Integrated Circuits, Shandong University, Jinan, 250101, China
| | - Wenhao Yang
- School of Integrated Circuits, Shandong University, Jinan, 250101, China
| | - Hongsen Niu
- School of Information Science and Engineering, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ubiquitous Intelligent Computing, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, China
| | - Weidong Wang
- School of Mechano-Electronic Engineering, Xidian University, Xi'an, 710071, China
| | - Liu Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Wenhao Zhu
- Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Di Chen
- School of Integrated Circuits and Electronics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China.
| | - Tingrui Pan
- Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
- Center for Intelligent Medical Equipment and Devices, Institute for Innovative Medical Devices, Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China.
| | - Chuan Fei Guo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, P. R. China.
| | - Guozhen Shen
- School of Integrated Circuits and Electronics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China.
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Tian Y, Wang J, Chen H, Lin H, Wu S, Zhang Y, Tian M, Meng J, Saeed W, Liu W, Chen X. Electrospun multifunctional nanofibers for advanced wearable sensors. Talanta 2025; 283:127085. [PMID: 39490308 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.127085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2024] [Revised: 09/11/2024] [Accepted: 10/20/2024] [Indexed: 11/05/2024]
Abstract
The multifunctional extension of fiber-based wearable sensors determines their integration and sustainable development, with electrospinning technology providing reliable, efficient, and scalable support for fabricating these sensors. Despite numerous studies on electrospun fiber-based wearable sensors, further attention is needed to leverage composite structural engineering for functionalizing electrospun fibers. This paper systematically reviews the research progress on fiber-based multifunctional wearable sensors in terms of design concept, device fabrication, mechanism exploration, and application potential. Firstly, the basics of electrospinning are briefly introduced, including its development, principles, parameters, and material selection. Tactile sensors, as crucial components of wearable sensors, are discussed in detail, encompassing their performance parameters, transduction mechanisms, and preparation strategies for pressure, strain, temperature, humidity, and bioelectrical signal sensors. The main focus of the article is on the latest research progress in multifunctional sensing design concepts, multimodal decoupling mechanisms, sensing mechanisms, and functional extensions. These extensions include multimodal sensing, self-healing, energy harvesting, personal thermal management, EMI shielding, antimicrobial properties, and other capabilities. Furthermore, the review assesses existing challenges and outlines future developments for multifunctional wearable sensors, highlighting the need for continued research and innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Tian
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, People's Republic of China; School of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, People's Republic of China; The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Junhao Wang
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Haojie Chen
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Haibin Lin
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Shulei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Products, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Fujian University of Technology, Fuzhou, 350118, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifan Zhang
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Tian
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaqi Meng
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Waqas Saeed
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Liu
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing Chen
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, People's Republic of China.
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Yang C, Liu H, Ma J, Xu M. Multimodal Flexible Sensor for the Detection of Pressing-Bending-Twisting Mechanical Deformations. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2025; 17:2413-2424. [PMID: 39723727 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c13941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2024]
Abstract
Flexible sensors are increasingly significant in applications such as smart wearables and human-computer interactions. However, typical flexible sensors are spatially limited and can generally detect only one deformation mode. This study presents a novel multimodal flexible sensor that combines three sensing units: optoelectronics, ionic liquids, and conductive fabrics. It employs a sophisticated superposition and combination of the three sensing methods to achieve up to eight mechanical deformations, including pressing, bending, twisting, and combinations thereof, all within a very small sensor space. This sensor has excellent detection performance, high sensitivity (optoelectronics 4.312, ionic liquid 8.186, conductive fabric 2.438), a wide measurement range (pressing 0-75 kPa, bending 0-90°, and twisting 0-180°), and good consistency and repeatability. To address the signal coupling problem in multimode sensors, a deep learning method based on the Transformer is combined to provide precise decoupling of multimode signals and high-precision characterization of each mechanical deformation. Finally, the wrist joint experiments demonstrate the sensor's versatile uses in human-computer interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Yang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Hui Liu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Jin Ma
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Ming Xu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
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Li J, Chu H, Chen Z, Yiu CK, Qu Q, Li Z, Yu X. Recent Advances in Materials, Devices and Algorithms Toward Wearable Continuous Blood Pressure Monitoring. ACS NANO 2024; 18:17407-17438. [PMID: 38923501 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c04291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Continuous blood pressure (BP) tracking provides valuable insights into the health condition and functionality of the heart, arteries, and overall circulatory system of humans. The rapid development in flexible and wearable electronics has significantly accelerated the advancement of wearable BP monitoring technologies. However, several persistent challenges, including limited sensing capabilities and stability of flexible sensors, poor interfacial stability between sensors and skin, and low accuracy in BP estimation, have hindered the progress in wearable BP monitoring. To address these challenges, comprehensive innovations in materials design, device development, system optimization, and modeling have been pursued to improve the overall performance of wearable BP monitoring systems. In this review, we highlight the latest advancements in flexible and wearable systems toward continuous noninvasive BP tracking with a primary focus on materials development, device design, system integration, and theoretical algorithms. Existing challenges, potential solutions, and further research directions are also discussed to provide theoretical and technical guidance for the development of future wearable systems in continuous ambulatory BP measurement with enhanced sensing capability, robustness, and long-term accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Hong Kong Centre for Cerebro-Cardiovascular Health Engineering (COCHE), Hong Kong, China
| | - Hongwei Chu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Flexible Printed Electronics Technology, School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zhenlin Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Hong Kong Centre for Cerebro-Cardiovascular Health Engineering (COCHE), Hong Kong, China
| | - Chun Ki Yiu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Hong Kong Centre for Cerebro-Cardiovascular Health Engineering (COCHE), Hong Kong, China
| | - Qing'ao Qu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhiyuan Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xinge Yu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Hong Kong Centre for Cerebro-Cardiovascular Health Engineering (COCHE), Hong Kong, China
- City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
- Hong Kong Institute for Clean Energy, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
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He Y, Xu X, Xiao S, Wu J, Zhou P, Chen L, Liu H. Research Progress and Application of Multimodal Flexible Sensors for Electronic Skin. ACS Sens 2024; 9:2275-2293. [PMID: 38659386 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.4c00307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, wearable electronic skin has garnered significant attention due to its broad range of applications in various fields, including personal health monitoring, human motion perception, human-computer interaction, and flexible display. The flexible multimodal sensor, as the core component of electronic skin, can mimic the multistimulus sensing ability of human skin, which is highly significant for the development of the next generation of electronic devices. This paper provides a summary of the latest advancements in multimodal sensors that possess two or more response capabilities (such as force, temperature, humidity, etc.) simultaneously. It explores the relationship between materials and multiple sensing capabilities, focusing on both active materials that are the same and different. The paper also discusses the preparation methods, device structures, and sensing properties of these sensors. Furthermore, it introduces the applications of multimodal sensors in human motion and health monitoring, as well as intelligent robots. Finally, the current limitations and future challenges of multimodal sensors will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin He
- School of Textile Science and Engineering, Tiangong University Tianjin 300387, P. R. China
- Institute of Smart Wearable Electronic Textiles, Tiangong University Tianjin 300387, P. R. China
- Yi mai Artificial Intelligence Medical Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Xu
- School of Textile Science and Engineering, Tiangong University Tianjin 300387, P. R. China
- Institute of Smart Wearable Electronic Textiles, Tiangong University Tianjin 300387, P. R. China
| | - Shuang Xiao
- School of Textile Science and Engineering, Tiangong University Tianjin 300387, P. R. China
- Institute of Smart Wearable Electronic Textiles, Tiangong University Tianjin 300387, P. R. China
- Xinxing Cathay (Shanghai) Engineering Science and Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd., Shanghai 201400, China
| | - Junxian Wu
- School of Textile Science and Engineering, Tiangong University Tianjin 300387, P. R. China
- Institute of Smart Wearable Electronic Textiles, Tiangong University Tianjin 300387, P. R. China
- Winner Medical (Wuhan) Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430415, Hubei province, China
| | - Peng Zhou
- Institute of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Yi mai Artificial Intelligence Medical Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Li Chen
- School of Textile Science and Engineering, Tiangong University Tianjin 300387, P. R. China
- Institute of Smart Wearable Electronic Textiles, Tiangong University Tianjin 300387, P. R. China
| | - Hao Liu
- School of Textile Science and Engineering, Tiangong University Tianjin 300387, P. R. China
- Institute of Smart Wearable Electronic Textiles, Tiangong University Tianjin 300387, P. R. China
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Pan X, Pu W, Liu Y, Xiao Y, Pu J, Shi Y, Wu H, Wang H. Self-Perceptional Soft Robotics by a Dielectric Elastomer. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:26797-26807. [PMID: 38722638 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c04700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Soft robotics has been a rapidly growing field in recent decades due to its advantages of softness, deformability, and adaptability to various environments. However, the separation of perception and actuation in soft robot research hinders its progress toward compactness and flexibility. To address this limitation, we propose the use of a dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA), which exhibits both an actuation capability and perception stability. Specifically, we developed a DEA array to localize the 3D spatial position of objects. Subsequently, we integrate the actuation and sensing properties of DEA into soft robots to achieve self-perception. We have developed a system that integrates actuation and sensing and have proposed two modes to achieve this integration. Furthermore, we demonstrated the feasibility of this system for soft robots. When the robots detect an obstacle or an approaching object, they can swiftly respond by avoiding or escaping the obstacle. By eliminating the need for separate perception and motion considerations, self-perceptional soft robots can achieve an enhanced response performance and enable applications in a more compact and flexible field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinghai Pan
- School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Wei Pu
- School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yanling Liu
- School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yuhang Xiao
- School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Junhong Pu
- School of Fashion and Textiles, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Ye Shi
- ZJU-UIUC Institute, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang 314400, China
| | - Hui Wu
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Haolun Wang
- School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
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Chen J, Rong F, Xie Y. Fabrication, Microstructures and Sensor Applications of Highly Ordered Electrospun Nanofibers: A Review. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:ma16093310. [PMID: 37176192 PMCID: PMC10179621 DOI: 10.3390/ma16093310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The review summarizes the fabrication, microstructures, and sensor applications of highly ordered electrospun nanofibers. In the traditional electrospinning process, electrospun nanofibers usually have disordered or random microstructures due to the chaotic oscillation of the electrospinning jet. Different electrospinning methods can be formed by introducing external forces, such as magnetic, electric, or mechanical forces, and ordered nanofibers can be collected. The microstructures of highly ordered nanofibers can be divided into three categories: uniaxially ordered nanofibers, biaxially ordered nanofibers and ordered scaffolds. The three microstructures are each characterized by being ordered in different dimensions. The regulation and control of the ordered microstructures can promote electrospun nanofibers' mechanical and dielectric strength, surface area and chemical properties. Highly ordered electrospun nanofibers have more comprehensive applications than disordered nanofibers do in effect transistors, gas sensors, reinforced composite materials and tissue engineering. This review also intensively summarizes the applications of highly ordered nanofibers in the sensor field, such as pressure sensors, humidity sensors, strain sensors, gas sensors, and biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
- Southeast University-Monash University Joint Graduate School (Suzhou), Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Fei Rong
- School of Biological Sciences and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Yibing Xie
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
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