Laser-patterned multifunctional sensor array with graphene nanosheets as a smart biomonitoring fashion accessory

TL;DR

This paper presents a flexible, multifunctional wearable sensor made with laser-patterned gold electrodes and graphene nanosheets, capable of monitoring vital signs and human motion with high precision, stability, and potential for fashion accessories.

Contribution

The work introduces a novel laser-etching fabrication process for integrating graphene nanosheets with patterned gold electrodes in wearable sensors, enabling multifunctionality and high performance.

Findings

Ultra-high strain resolution of 0.024%

Record gauge factor of 6.3e7

Successful biomonitoring and motion tracking applications

Abstract

Biomonitoring wearable sensors based on two-dimensional nanomaterials have lately elicited keen research interest and potential for a new range of flexible nanoelectronic devices. Practical nanomaterial-based devices suited for real-world service, which have first-rate performance while being an attractive accessory, are still distant. We report a multifunctional flexible wearable sensor fabricated using an ultra-thin percolative layer of microwave exfoliated graphene nanosheets on laser-patterned gold circular inter-digitated electrodes for monitoring vital human physiological parameters. This Graphene on Laser-patterned Electrodes (GLE) sensor displays an ultra-high strain resolution of 0.024% and a record gauge factor of 6.3e7 and exceptional stability and repeatability in its operating range. The sensor was subjected to biomonitoring experiments like measurement of heart rate, breathing rate, body temperature, and hydration level, which are vital health parameters, especially considering the current pandemic scenario. The sensor also served in applications such as a pedometer, limb movement tracking, and control switch for human interaction. The innovative laser-etch process used to pattern gold thin-film electrodes and shapes, with the multifunctional incognizable graphene layer, provides a technique for integrating multiple sensors in a wearable fashion accessory. The reported work marks a giant leap from the conventional banal devices to a highly marketable multifunctional sensor array as a biomonitoring fashion accessory.