Fast-speed, Highly Sensitive, Flexible Humidity Sensors Based on a Printable Composite of Carbon Nanotubes and Hydrophilic Polymers
Su Ding, Yin Tong, Shucheng Zhang, Dingyi Yang, Houlin Zhou, Shouchen Guo, Qikun Li, Yong Wang, Yang Yang, Biaolin Peng, Rusen Yang, Zhi Jiang
Abstract
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are a promising material for humidity sensors and wearable electronics due to their solution capability, good flexibility, and high conductivity. However, the performance of CNT-based humidity sensors is limited by their low sensitivity and slow response. Herein CNTs and hydrophilic polymers were mixed to form a composite. The hydrophilicity of the polymers and the network structure of the CNTs empowered the humidity sensors with a high response of 171% and a fast response/recovery time of 23 s/10 s. Owing to the sticky and flexible polymers, the humidity sensors showed strong adhesion to the PET substrate and exhibited outstanding bending durability. Furthermore, the flexible humidity sensor was applied to monitor human breathing and detect finger movements and handshaking.