1D-2D nanohybrid-based textile strain sensor to boost multiscale deformative motion sensing performance

The development of strain sensors with both superior sensitivity (gauge factor (GF) > 100) and broad strain-sensing range (> 50% strain) is still a grand challenge. Materials, which demonstrate significant structural deformation under microscale motion, are required to offer high sensitivity. Structural connection of materials upon large-scale motion is demanded to widen strain-sensing range. However, it is hard to achieve both features simultaneously. Herein, we design a crepe roll structure-inspired textile yarn-based strain sensor with one-dimensional (1D)-two-dimensional (2D) nanohybrid strain-sensing sheath, which possesses superior stretchability. This ultrastretchable strain sensor exhibits a wide and stable strain-sensing range from micro-scale to large-scale (0.01%–125%), and superior sensitivity (GF of 139.6 and 198.8 at 0.01% and 125%, respectively) simultaneously. The strain sensor is structurally constructed by a superelastic 1D-structured core elastomer polyurethane yarn (PUY), a novel high conductive crepe roll-structured (CRS) 1D-2D nanohybrid multilayer sheath which assembled by 1D nanomaterials silver nanowires (AgNWs) working as bridges to connect adjacent layers and 2D nanomaterials graphene nanoplates (GNPs) offering brittle lamellar structure, and a thin polydopamine (PDA) wrapping layer providing protection in exterior environment. During the stretching/deformation process, microcracks originate and propagate in the GNPs lamellar structure enable resistance to change significantly, while AgNWs bridge adjacent GNPs to accommodate applied stress partially and boost strain. The 1D crepe roll structure-inspired strain sensor demonstrates multifunctionality in multiscale deformative motion detection, such as respiratory motions of Sprague–Dawleyw rat, flexible digital display, and proprioception of multi-joint finger bending and antagonistic flexion/extension motions of its flexible continuum body.