Nanomaterial-Enabled Flexible and Stretchable Sensing Systems: Processing, Integration, and Applications

Adv Mater. 2020 Apr;32(15):e1902343. doi: 10.1002/adma.201902343. Epub 2019 Aug 29.

Abstract

Nanomaterial-enabled flexible and stretchable electronics have seen tremendous progress in recent years, evolving from single sensors to integrated sensing systems. Compared with nanomaterial-enabled sensors with a single function, integration of multiple sensors is conducive to comprehensive monitoring of personal health and environment, intelligent human-machine interfaces, and realistic imitation of human skin in robotics and prosthetics. Integration of sensors with other functional components promotes real-world applications of the sensing systems. Here, an overview of the design and integration strategies and manufacturing techniques for such sensing systems is given. Then, representative nanomaterial-enabled flexible and stretchable sensing systems are presented. Following that, representative applications in personal health, fitness tracking, electronic skins, artificial nervous systems, and human-machine interactions are provided. To conclude, perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in this burgeoning field are considered.

Keywords: electronic skins; flexible and stretchable systems; flexible hybrid electronics; health and fitness tracking; human-machine interfaces.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biosensing Techniques / instrumentation
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods*
  • Blood Pressure
  • Electrocardiography
  • Equipment Design
  • Humans
  • Information Storage and Retrieval
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Skin Physiological Phenomena*
  • Volatile Organic Compounds / analysis
  • Wearable Electronic Devices

Substances

  • Volatile Organic Compounds