Reduced Graphene Oxide Tattoo as Wearable Proximity Sensor

TL;DR

This paper introduces a graphene-based tattoo sensor that detects proximity through electrostatic gating, achieving a record detection range of 20 cm and offering a skin-conformal, easy-to-apply wearable device for contact alerting.

Contribution

It presents a novel, ultra-thin graphene tattoo sensor with the highest proximity detection range, capable of conforming to skin and detecting static charge-induced proximity.

Findings

Record proximity detection range of 20 cm.

Sensor is ultra-thin and skin-conformal.

Potential application as a contact alert system during pandemics.

Abstract

The human body is punctuated with wide array of sensory systems that provide a high evolutionary advantage by facilitating formation of a detailed picture of the immediate surroundings. The sensors range across a wide spectrum, acquiring input from non-contact audio-visual means to contact based input via pressure and temperature. The ambit of sensing can be extended further by imparting the body with increased non-contact sensing capability through the phenomenon of electrostatics. Here we present graphene-based tattoo sensor for proximity sensing, employing the principle of electrostatic gating. The sensor shows a remarkable change in resistance upon exposure to objects surrounded with static charge on them. Compared to prior work in this field, the sensor has demonstrated the highest recorded proximity detection range of 20 cm. It is ultra-thin, highly skin conformal and comes with a facile transfer process such that it can be tattooed on highly curvilinear rough substrates like the human skin, unlike other graphene-based proximity sensors reported before. Present work details the operation of wearable proximity sensor while exploring the effect of mounting body on the working mechanism. A possible role of the sensor as an alerting system against unwarranted contact with objects in public places especially during the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has also been explored in the form of an LED bracelet whose color is controlled by the proximity sensor attached to it.