Printing conformal and flexible copper networks for multimodal pressure and flow sensing

Abstract

Flexible multimodal sensors with ultrasensitive detection capabilities are an indispensable component of wearable electronics and are highly sought-after involving a wide range of signal monitoring such as artificial skin and soft robotics. Here we report a flexible and wireless multimodal sensor using low-temperature additive manufacturing of copper nanoplates on elastic polyurethane substrates for temperature, pressure, and flow monitoring. The positive temperature coefficient and piezoresistive performance of the copper nanoplate network translates to a reliable temperature, steady-state and dynamic pressure/flow sensing for detecting pressures as small as 0.64 Pa with a response time of 130 ms, as well as velocity detection ranging from 2.5–6.8 m s⁻¹. Additionally, by incorporating a printed antenna, it enables a self-powered, battery-free system, offering a wireless readout of printed multimodal sensors with superior real-time sensing performance in conjunction with wearable flexibility.