PtSe2 grown directly on polymer foil for use as a robust piezoresistive sensor

TL;DR

This paper presents a novel method for fabricating robust, flexible piezoresistive strain gauges using PtSe2 layers grown directly on polyimide foils, demonstrating superior performance and durability for potential wearable and high-frequency applications.

Contribution

The study introduces a low-temperature growth process for PtSe2 on flexible substrates, resulting in highly durable and sensitive strain gauges with improved gauge factors over commercial options.

Findings

PtSe2 layers exhibit negative gauge factor under flexure.

Strain gauges show excellent durability and water resistance.

Preliminary results suggest potential for high-frequency sensing.

Abstract

Robust strain gauges are fabricated by growing PtSe2 layers directly on top of flexible polyimide foils. These PtSe2 layers are grown by low-temperature, thermally-assisted conversion of predeposited Pt layers. Under applied flexure the PtSe2 layers show a decrease in electrical resistance signifying a negative gauge factor. The influence of the growth temperature and film thickness on the electromechanical properties of the PtSe2 layers is investigated. The best-performing strain gauges fabricated have a superior gauge factor to that of commercial metal-based strain gauges. Notably, the strain gauges offer good cyclability and are very robust, surviving repeated peel tests and immersion in water. Furthermore, preliminary results indicate that the stain gauges also show potential for high-frequency operation. This host of advantageous properties, combined with the possibility of further optimization and channel patterning, indicate that PtSe2 grown directly on polyimide holds great promise for future applications.