AgNPs with CNTs to construct multifunctional flexible sensor with dual conductive network structure.

ABSTRACT

Flexible sensors play an important role in the field of smart devices. However, most flexible sensors suffer from poor sensing signal stability and monofunction. In this study, a multifunctional film (named PM) with dual conductive network structure was fabricated by nanocellulose crystal dispersed with silver nanoparticles and carbon nanotube. The PM film exhibited excellent conductivity (24.6 S/m) along with antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Furthermore, the PM sensor showed excellent electrothermal performance, reaching 133.1 °C within 50 s at 12 V, and an excellent temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR = -0.65 % °C-1) over a temperature range of 36-124 °C. More importantly, the PM sensor demonstrated a high strain sensitivity (GF = 1.66) and durability (320 cycles), capable of detecting minute human body movements at a strain as low as 1 %. Additionally, the PM sensor maintained a stable sensing performance even after 30 d of exposure to air. Therefore, the multifunctional integration of the PM sensor shows great potential for application in the field of flexible electronics.