Volume 63, Issue 24 e202404060
Research Article

Self-Powered and Self-Recoverable Multimodal Force Sensors Based on Trap State and Interfacial Electron Transfer

Wenjie Wang

Wenjie Wang

Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, 410082 Changsha, China

These authors contributed equally to this work.

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Prof. Jie Tan

Corresponding Author

Prof. Jie Tan

Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, 410082 Changsha, China

These authors contributed equally to this work.

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Han Wang

Han Wang

Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, 410082 Changsha, China

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Hua Xiao

Hua Xiao

Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, 410082 Changsha, China

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Ruichen Shen

Ruichen Shen

Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, 410082 Changsha, China

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Prof. Bolong Huang

Prof. Bolong Huang

Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China

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Prof. Quan Yuan

Corresponding Author

Prof. Quan Yuan

Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, 410082 Changsha, China

College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, 430072 Wuhan, China

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First published: 08 April 2024
Citations: 7

Graphical Abstract

Multimodal force sensor: A self-powered and self-recoverable force sensor based on trap-controlled luminescence and interfacial electron transfer is presented. The magnitude of force can be converted into electrical responses, and force distribution can be visualized by optical signals simultaneously, without any power supply and high-energy irradiation. It has promising applications in a wide range of artificial intelligence systems.

Abstract

Multi-dimensional force sensing that combines intensity, location, area and the like could gather a wealth of information from mechanical stimuli. Developing materials with force-induced optical and electrical dual responses would provide unique opportunities to multi-dimensional force sensing, with electrical signals quantifying the force amplitude and the luminescence output providing spatial distribution of force. However, the reliance on external power supply and high-energy excitation source brings significant challenges to the applicability of multi-dimensional force sensors. Here we reported the mechanical energy-driven and sunlight-activated materials with force-induced dual responses, and investigated the underlying mechanisms of self-sustainable force sensing. Theoretical analysis and experimental data unraveled that trap-controlled luminescence and interfacial electron transfer play a major role in force-induced optical and electrical output. These materials were manufactured into pressure sensor with renewable dual-mode output for quantifying and visualization of pressures by electrical and optical output, respectively, without power supply and high-energy irradiation. The quantification of tactile sensation and stimuli localization of mice highlighted the multi-dimensional sensing ability of the sensor. Overall, this self-powered pressure sensor with multimodal output provides more modalities of force sensing, poised to change the way that intelligent devices sense with the world.

Conflict of interests

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Data Availability Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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