Coral-Inspired Capacitive Pressure Sensor with High Sensitivity and Wide Range for Human–Computer Interaction
Yuhang Wang, Ranxu Jing, Junxiang Jiang, Hongbo Wang, Linmao Qian, Bingjun Yu, Zhi‐Jun Zhao
Abstract
Flexible capacitive pressure sensors have extensive applications in healthcare and human-computer interaction. However, current sensors face challenges in sensitivity, response range, and batch-to-batch consistency. Herein, inspired by coral, a capacitive pressure sensor featuring a Y-shaped dielectric layer is developed, offering high sensitivity and a wide detection range. The innovative biomimetic ″Y-shaped coral″ gradient tilt structure skillfully combines two effects: the change in contact area and the reduction in plate spacing, in response to pressure changes. This design not only expands the compressible range of the sensor but also achieves a good balance between high sensitivity and a wide response range. Experimental results show that the fabricated sensor exhibits high sensitivity (1.10 kPa –1 ), a substantial response range (210 kPa), minimal hysteresis (≈3%), and excellent durability (withstanding over 20,000 cycles at 100 kPa). This sensor has broad application prospects in human-computer interaction, intelligent devices, flexible sensing arrays, and meteorological monitoring, enabling precise identification, real-time monitoring, and efficient support functions. Therefore, we believe that this study not only provides a design approach for capacitive pressure sensors but also offers strong support for technological advancement and application innovation in related fields.