Patterning of graphene for highly sensitive strain sensing on various curved surfaces

High-density, highly sensitive sensor array of spiky carbon nanospheres for strain field mapping

While accurate mapping of strain distribution is crucial for assessing stress concentration and estimating fatigue life in engineering applications, conventional strain sensor arrays face a great challenge in balancing sensitivity and sensing density for effective strain mapping. In this study, we present a Fowler-Nordheim tunneling effect of monodispersed spiky carbon nanosphere array on polydimethylsiloxane as strain sensor arrays to achieve a sensitivity up to 70,000, a sensing density of 100 pixel cm-2, and logarithmic linearity over 99% within a wide strain range of 0% to 60%. The highly ordered assembly of spiky carbon nanospheres in each unit also ensures high inter-unit consistency (standard deviation ≤3.82%). Furthermore, this sensor array can conformally cover diverse surfaces, enabling accurate acquisition of strain distributions. The sensing array offers a convenient approach for mapping strain fields in various applications such as flexible electronics, soft robotics, biomechanics, and structure health monitoring.

Transfer printing technologies for soft electronics

Soft electronics have received increasing attention in recent years, owing to their wide range of applications in dynamic nonplanar surface integration electronics that include skin electronics, implantable devices, and soft robotics. Transfer printing is a widely used assembly technology for micro- and nano-fabrication, which enables the integration of functional devices with flexible or elastomeric substrates for the manufacturing of soft electronics. Through advanced materials and process design, numerous impressive studies related to transfer printing strategies and applications have been proposed. Herein, a discussion of transfer printing technologies toward soft electronics in terms of mechanisms and example demonstrations is provided. Moreover, the perspectives on the potential challenges and future directions of this field are briefly discussed.

Representative 2D-material-based nanocomposites and their emerging applications: a review

Composites (or complex materials) are formed from two or many constituent materials with novel physical or chemical characteristics when integrated. The individual components can be combined to create a unique composite material through mechanical transfer, physical stacking, exfoliation, derivative chemical mixtures, mixtures of solid solutions, or complex synthesis processes. The development of new composites based on emerging 2D nanomaterials has allowed for outstanding achievements with novel applications that were previously unknown. These new composite materials show massive potential in emerging applications due to their exceptional properties, such as being strong, light, cheap, and highly photodegradable, and their ability to be used for water splitting and energy storage compared to traditional materials. The blend of existing polymers and 2D materials with their nanocomposites has proven to be immediate solutions to energy and food scarcity in the world. Although much literature has been reported in the said context, we tried to provide an understanding about the relationship of their mechanisms and scope for future application in a comprehensive way. In this review, we briefly summarize the basic characteristics, novel physical and chemical behaviors, and new applications in the industry of the emerging 2D-material-based composites.

Composites (or complex materials) are formed from two or many constituent materials with novel physical or chemical characteristics when integrated.