Ultra‐Sensitive Bio‐Polymer Iontronic Sensors for Object Recognition from Tactile Feedback

• Published in: Advanced materials technologies 2023-08, Vol.8 (16), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Cicek, Melih Ogeday, Durukan, Mete Batuhan, Yıldız, Bayram, Keskin, Deniz, Doganay, Doga, Çınar Aygün, Simge, Cakir, Murat Perit, Unalan, Husnu Emrah
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: flexible electronics; human–machine interfaces; iontronic pressure sensors; machine learning; object sensing
• ISSN: 2365-709X; 2365-709X
• DOI: 10.1002/admt.202300322

Supramolecular polymer gels show promise for use in batteries, supercapacitors, and multifunctional sensors. However, their poor stiffness and ionic conductivity hinder their large‐scale utilization. Herein, a cellulose‐based supramolecular bio‐polymer gel (SBPG) with high ionic conductivity and exceptional stiffness is reported. These properties are translated into proof‐of‐concept iontronic pressure sensors with an ultra‐high sensitivity of 1 475 000 kPa−1. The technological potential is demonstrated via fabrication of a prototype smart glove using only eight pressure sensors based on this novel gel. Smart glove sensors with 90% classification accuracy for object recognition are demonstrated using a tactile feedback algorithm. Cellulose‐based supramolecular bio‐polymer gels with high ionic conductivity (9.85 x 10-4 S cm-1)  are fabricated. Developed supramolecular bio‐polymer gels are used for an ultra‐high sensitivity iontronic pressure sensor with a sensitivity of 147 500 kPa−1. Pressure sensing mechanism of the sensors is extensively investigated with 3D Bode analysis. The sensors are used to develop a smart glove for object recognition.