All-Graphene-Based Highly Flexible Noncontact Electronic Skin

Abstract

Noncontact electronic skin (e-skin), which possesses superior long-range and high-spatial-resolution sensory properties, is becoming indispensable in fulfilling the emulation of human sensation via prosthetics. Here, we present an advanced design and fabrication of all-graphene-based highly flexible noncontact e-skins by virtue of femtosecond laser direct writing (FsLDW). The photoreduced graphene oxide patterns function as the conductive electrodes, whereas the pristine graphene oxide thin film serves as the sensing layer. The as-fabricated e-skins exhibit high sensitivity, fast response-recovery behavior, good long-term stability, and excellent mechanical robustness. In-depth analysis reveals that the sensing mechanism is attributed to proton and ionic conductivity in the low and high humidity conditions, respectively. By taking the merits of the FsLDW, a 4 × 4 sensing matrix is facilely integrated in a single-step, eco-friendly, and green process. The light-weight and in-plane matrix shows high-spatial-resolution sensing capabilities over a long detection range in a noncontact mode. This study will open up an avenue to innovations in the noncontact e-skins and hold a promise for applications in wearable human-machine interfaces, robotics, and bioelectronics.

Keywords: electronic skins; femtosecond laser direct writing; flexible devices; graphene; noncontact operation mode.