# Flexible Electrospun PVDF/PAN/Graphene Nanofiber Piezoelectric Sensors for Passive Human Motion Monitoring

## TL;DR

Researchers developed flexible piezoelectric sensors using PVDF, PAN, and graphene nanofibers to detect subtle human body movements.

## Contribution

A novel PVDF/PAN/graphene nanofiber composite was fabricated for passive motion sensing with optimized electrospinning and additives.

## Key findings

- Electrospun nanofibers with diameters of 200–250 nm and film thicknesses of 20–25 µm were successfully produced.
- The sensors generated stable millivolt-level outputs under pressures of 40–120 mmHg with good repeatability.
- Graphene and lithium phosphate enhanced piezoelectric response and β-phase nucleation in PVDF.

## Abstract

Flexible piezoelectric sensors based on electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/graphene nanofibers were fabricated and evaluated for passive human body motion detection. Optimized electrospinning yielded smooth, continuous fibers with diameters of 200–250 nm and uniform films with thicknesses of 20–25 µm. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed a high fraction of the piezoelectrically active β-phase in PVDF, which was further enhanced by post-deposition thermal treatment. Graphene and lithium phosphate were incorporated to improve electrical conductivity, β-phase nucleation, and piezoelectric response, while PAN provided mechanical reinforcement and flexibility. Custom test platforms were developed to simulate low-amplitude mechanical stimuli, including finger bending and pulsatile pressure. Under applied pressures of 40, 80, and 120 mmHg, the sensors generated stable millivolt-level outputs with average peak voltages of 25–30 mV, 53–60 mV, and 80–90 mV, respectively, with good repeatability and an adequate signal-to-noise ratio. These results demonstrate that PVDF/PAN/graphene nanofiber films are promising candidates for flexible, wearable piezoelectric sensors capable of detecting subtle physiological signals, and highlight the critical roles of electrospinning conditions, functional additives, and post-processing treatments in tuning their electromechanical performance.