High-sensitivity flexible sensor based on silver nanowire aerogel

Simulating various human perceptions through flexible electronic sensors is the key to the development of artificial intelligence and biomimetic robots. In this paper, a novel composite material of Silver nanowire aerogel(AgNWA) and conventional flexible polymer, such as PDMS, PI or other flexible polymers, is proposed to fabricate flexible sensors. The AgNWA used in this paper is a three-dimensional porous material self-assembled from silver nanowire, which combines the ultra-high conductivity of silver and the ultra-low density of aerogel materials as well as the flexibility. Hence, the conductivity of AgNWA would change immediately even a minor pressure applied. Based on this property, we fabricated flexible AgNWA/PDMS elaster and applied it to the field of flexible sensing. The AgNWA/PDMS elaster has shown excellent sensitivity to contact pressure, which can detect the stress in the range of 6kPa-1MPa. In addition, the resistance change rate of this composite material has a linear relationship with the stress received, so this composite material can sense the magnitude of the contact pressure. Furthermore, this composite material has good stability, and the minimum strain fatigue failure number is not less than 5000 times, maintaining surface integrity and structural flexibility. Therefore, the AgNWA/PDMS elaster has excellent sensitivity and stability, which provides a new way to realize flexible sensing.