Flexible pressure sensor based on a neuron-mimetic conductive network structure

Abstract To address the challenges of conventional flexible pressure sensors in achieving both high sensitivity and a wide linear response range, this paper proposes a sensor based on a neuron-mimetic conductive network structure. First, an elastomer with a three-dimensional dendritic interconnected structure is fabricated using a microsphere template method. Next, a carbon nanotube conductive layer is in situ grown on the framework surface using chemical vapor deposition. Finally, a synaptic-like interface with a variable contact area is integrated. Experiments show that the sensor’s response/recovery time at 5 kPa is 21.0/24.8 ms and only 3.2% performance degradation after 10, 000 cycles. This biomimetic design effectively balances sensitivity and range, providing a new approach for complex dynamic pressure monitoring.