# Dual-Functional Polyurethane Sponge-Based Pressure Sensors Incorporating BZT/BTO, Polypyrrole, and Carbon Nanotubes with Energy Generation Capability

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a flexible pressure sensor with high sensitivity and energy generation capabilities for health and sports monitoring.

## Contribution

A novel multilayer conductive architecture is developed for pressure sensors with energy generation through piezoelectric mechanisms.

## Key findings

- The sensor achieves a sensitivity of 9.71 kPa−1 and a detection limit of 125 Pa.
- It generates a voltage output of 1.25 V via piezoelectric mechanisms.
- The device has a rapid response time of 40 ms and a recovery period of 60 ms.

## Abstract

Flexible and wearable pressure sensors are essential for monitoring of human motion and are distinguished by their increased sensitivity and outstanding mechanical robustness. In this study, we systematically engineered a flexible and wearable pressure sensor with a multilayer conductive architecture, arranging a sponge substrate coated in a consecutive manner with a barium zirconium titanate thin film, followed by polypyrrole, multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and eventually polydimethylsiloxane. The foundation of additional conductive pathways is enabled via the utilization of a porous framework and the hierarchical arrangement, causing the achievement of an excellent sensitivity of 9.71 kPa−1 (0–9 kPa), a rapid 40 ms response time, and a fast 60 ms recovery period, combined with a particularly low detection limit (125 Pa) and an extended pressure range from 0 to 225 kPa. Furthermore, the integration of a rough and porous barium zirconium titanate/barium titanate thin film is expected to deliver a voltage output (1.25 V) through piezoelectric working mechanisms. This study possesses the potential to provide an innovative architecture design for advancing the development of future electronic devices for health and sports monitoring.