Pressure-Sensitive Electrode Material, Means and Methods of Use

Stanford researchers have developed an ultra-sensitive resistive pressure sensor based on an elastic, microstructured conducting polymer (EMCP) thin film. This low cost device enables the detection of a large range of pressure values (~1 Pa to 100 kPa) and exhibits a short response time, good reproducibility, excellent cycling stability and temperature-stable sensing. These pressure sensors can be applied to a wide range of fields, including human–computer user interfaces, robotics, and industrial monitoring. Moreover, EMCP materials will be highly useful in the design of next generation electronic systems due to their advantageous traits, including a 3D hierarchical morphology, high conductivity, and good elasticity.

Figure

Figure description - Summary of EMCP pressure sensor characteristics. (a) Mechanism of action. With increasing pressure, the contact area between the EMCP and the electrode increases, causing a reduction in the contact resistance. (b) High pressure characteristics of the device. The device functions in the range of ~1 Pa to at least 100 kPa. (c) Demonstration of the ability to sense small weights such as an 8 mg flower petal. (d) Resistance of the sensor at different pressures. The pressure sensing characteristics are consistent in the range from -10 to 100 ?C. (e) Time response of 50 ms.
Stage of Research

Prototype tested and exhibited unprecedented performance with ultra-high sensitivity

Sensitivity of this pressure sensor can be ultimately improved to ~56.0–133.1 kPa^-1 in the low-pressure regime (30 Pa), the highest among any reported flexible pressure sensors

NPR "All Tech Considered" Feature
"Just Like Human Skin, This Plastic Sheet Can Sense And Heal", April 11, 2016