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Visualization Recording and Storage of Pressure Distribution through a Smart Matrix Based on the Piezotronic Effect
Author(s) -
Han Xun,
Du Weiming,
Chen Mengxiao,
Wang Xiandi,
Zhang Xiaojia,
Li Xiaoyi,
Li Jing,
Peng Zhengchun,
Pan Caofeng,
Wang Zhong Lin
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
advanced materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.707
H-Index - 527
eISSN - 1521-4095
pISSN - 0935-9648
DOI - 10.1002/adma.201701253
Subject(s) - materials science , visualization , pressure sensor , optoelectronics , pixel , nanowire , nanotechnology , computer science , artificial intelligence , mechanical engineering , engineering
Pressure sensors that can both directly visualize and record applied pressure/stress are essential for e‐skin and medical/health monitoring. Here, using a WO 3 ‐film electrochromic device (ECD) array (10 × 10 pixels) and a ZnO‐nanowire‐matrix pressure sensor (ZPS), a pressure visualization and recording (PVR) system with a spatial resolution of 500 µm is developed. The distribution of external pressures can be recorded through the piezotronic effect from the ZPS and directly expressed by color changes in the ECD. Applying a local pressure can generate piezoelectric polarization charges at the two ends of the ZnO nanowires, which leads to the tuning of the current to be transported through the system and thus the color of the WO 3 film. The coloration and bleaching process in the ECD component show good cyclic stability, and over 85% of the color contrast is maintained after 300 cycles. In this PVR system, the applied pressure can be recorded without the assistance of a computer because of the color memory effect of the WO 3 material. Such systems are promising for applications in human‐electronic interfaces, military applications, and smart robots.