A flexible dual-mode triboelectric sensor for strain and tactile sensing toward human-machine interface applications

• Published in: Sensors and actuators. A. Physical. 2024-01, Vol.365, p.114909, Article 114909
• Main Authors: Wang, Lin, Wei, Fanan, Zhai, Zhushan, Zhang, Ruichen, Liu, Wei, Zhao, Zengxu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Human-machine interface; Strain sensor; Tactile sensor; Triboelectric nanogenerator; Variable charge density
• ISSN: 0924-4247; 1873-3069
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sna.2023.114909

In recent years, there has been significant progress in the development of flexible sensors for human-machine interfaces. However, the triboelectric principle, especially which based on sliding mode, is relative rarely applied to flexible strain sensors. Therefore, a novel triboelectric flexible stretchable sensor has been designed with a simple structure, convenient fabrication process, and effective response to various strain signals (Within the range of 0%−200%, the average sensitivity is 49.07 mV per 1% strain). This sensor operates in a new triboelectric working mode: variable charge density mode (VCD mode). Furthermore, the sensor can also be utilized for tactile sensing in vertical contact-separation mode without any structural modifications. Based on this strain-tactile dual-mode flexible triboelectric sensor (STDFTS), its applications for human-machine interface have been explored: gesture recognition (recognition accuracy of five gestures reaches 99.4%) based on tactile sensing and mouse replacement based on dual working modes. The STDFTS proposed in this article provides a new alternative solution for human-machine interfaces, greatly expanding the application scenarios of triboelectricity. The sensor's innovative design and dual-mode functionality open up new avenues for research and development in the field of triboelectric nanogenerator, flexible sensors and human-machine interaction. [Display omitted] •A new working mode of triboelectric nanogenerator: variable charge density mode.•Dual-mode flexible triboelectric sensor for tactile and strain sensing.•Transferred charge quantity, the speed of mechanical action affects the performance.•Effectively detect stepped strain signals.•Hopefully future for human-machine interface application.