Full-Range, High-Sensitivity, Linear Aerogel Pressure Sensor with Epidermal-Inspired Mechanoreception Networks

The integration of real and virtual worlds through the Internet of Things (IoT) is driving the evolution of human lifestyle and production methods. For IoT applications, precise detection of human physical signals by flexible sensors is crucial. Although various polymer-based flexible sensors have been developed, they often struggle to combine high sensitivity with wide-range linear sensing capability. The human epidermis, our largest organ, is remarkably sensitive to a broad spectrum of deformations, from the subtle, like the sensation of an insect crawling, to the intense, such as skin compression. Inspired by this, we construct a compressive piezoresistive polyimide (PI)-based aerogel sensor with an epidermal-inspired mechanoreception network enabled by nerve-like reduced graphene oxide (rGO) networks and MXene-covered-liquid metal (MLM) tactile receptors. The rGO networks and MLM receptors work synergistically, mimicking neural system of epidermis. This intricate structure endows aerogel sensor with a full linear sensing range from 0 % to 80 % compressive strain, along with high sensitivity, characterized by a gauge factor (GF) of 1.23. Moreover, the aerogel shows promising potential as an anti-icing and heat-insulating material. This work advances the concept of creating aerogel sensors that offer a full-range linear response and high sensitivity, opening new possibilities for applications in various fields.