Flexible Porous CNT/PDMS-PVDF Sensor with Hybrid Triboelectric-Piezoelectric Sensing

Abstract

This study presents the development of a flexible porous CNT/PDMS-PVDF hybrid sensor (PCPS) that integrates triboelectric and piezoelectric sensing mechanisms for enhanced performance. The sensor is fabricated using a lightweight and porous CNT/PDMS composite film, combined with a PVDF layer, to achieve high sensitivity and flexibility. The porous structure is created by incorporating NaCl particles during the PDMS curing process, which evaporate to form irregular pores, increasing the contact area and improving the sensor's mechanical and electrical properties. The hybrid sensor leverages both triboelectric and piezoelectric effects, resulting in a significant increase in output voltage compared to traditional PDMS-based sensors. Experimental results demonstrate that the porous PVDF/CNT/PDMS hybrid film exhibits a 280% increase in voltage output under applied pressure, highlighting its superior performance. The sensor's ability to convert mechanical energy into electrical signals without an external power supply makes it a promising candidate for applications in wearable electronics, tactile sensing, and energy harvesting. This work provides a novel approach to designing high-performance flexible sensors with hybrid sensing capabilities.