Triode-Mimicking Graphene Pressure Sensor with Positive Resistance Variation for Physiology and Motion Monitoring

The flexible pressure sensor is one of the essential components of the wearable device, which is a critical solution to the applications of artificial intelligence and human-computer interactions in the future. Due to its simple manufacturing process and measurement methods, research related to piezoresistive mechanical sensors is booming, and those sensors are already widely used in industry. However, existing pressure sensors are almost all based on negative resistance variations, making it difficult to reach a balance between the sensitivity and the detection range. Here, we demonstrated a low-cost flexible pressure sensor with a positive resistance-pressure response based on laser scribing graphene. The sensor can be customized and modulated to achieve both an ultrahigh sensitivity and a broad detection range. Furthermore, the device possesses the signal amplification property like a mechanical triode under the external pressure bias. Based on its amplification ability, varieties of physiological signals and human movements have been detected using our devices; then, an integrated gait monitoring system has been realized. The reported positive graphene pressure sensor has outstanding capability, showing a wide application range such as intelligent perception, an interactive device, and real-time health/motion monitoring.