There are many studies of demonstrating capactive sensors for various purposes such as detecting pressure, body motions, and temperature variation. However, its perfoming principle is mainly dependent on physical and geometrical changes of dielectric layers. In this study, we developed a new class of microfluidic capacitive sensors with utilizing ionic liquid serving as electrodes and CNT/PDMS composites (CPCs) as a dielectric layer. The working principle of our microfluidic sensors was investigated with geometrical changes of microfluidic channel and variations of electric double layer (EDL) capacitance. Our microfluidic capacitive sensors showed detection of localized pressure, lateral pressure movement, and even temperature variations with high sensitivity. By using multimodal capability, the microfluidic capacitive sensor was successfully performed as a keypad and applied to a bottle and human skin. This microfluidic capacitive sensors could offer great opportunity of development for future stretchable and flexible electronic devices such as wearable electronics, soft robotics, electronic skin, and human healthcare systems.

Microfluidic multifunctional capacitive sensors using ionic liquid electrodes and CNT/PDMS composites for simultaneous sensing of pressure and temperature

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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