Dynamic competitive strains enabled self-supporting Janus nanostructured films for high-performance airflow perception

Abstract

Recently, piezoresistive airflow sensing systems have shown extensive potential applications in aerospace, weather forecasting, mineral enterprises, and wearable electronics. However, the achievement of both an ultralow detection limit and broad monitoring range still remains challenging. Here, we propose a self-supported Janus film based on a graphene/carbon sphere-elastomer hybrid, which allows us to sensitively and efficiently perceive tiny and strong airflows via responding with opposite current variations enabled by the dynamic competition of transverse and longitudinal strains. The achieved film enables an ultralow detection limit of ∼0.0087 m s⁻¹, a wide detection range of 0.0087–23 m s⁻¹, favorable response speed as fast as ∼0.1 s, and signal stability for 1150 cycles. Furthermore, an artificial smart spiderweb array system is delicately designed to efficiently distinguish the position and intensity of the applied airflow for efficient non-contact manipulation, enabling significant potential in the development of advanced soft electronics and smart biomimetic systems.