3D-Structured Dual-mode Flexible Sensors for Highly Sensitive Tactile-perception and Non-contact Sensing.

This work reports a 3D-structured multifunctional sensor by connecting a magneto-whisker with a super flexible patterned skin film. Composed of percolation networks of silver nanowires, the patterned skin film is integrated via a simple template manufacturing method without increasing complexity and sacrificing flexibility. The as-prepared 3D-structured sensor can realize the multi-modal detection of out-of-plane tactile stimuli and details of non-contact environmental obstacles in multiple directions. Here, the sensor's perception behaviors on compression, pulling, magnetic field, sound waves, air flows, water lever, water flows and back-washes are presented. Furthermore, the 3D-structured sensor obtains outstanding mechanical robustness and stability for 8000 cycles, excellent sensitivity (12800% when the applied pulling displacement was 3.5 mm; 152% T-1 when magnetic flux density variation was 40.6 mT), ultrahigh response time and recovery time (~ 5 ms), which may meet the industrial sensing requirement of artificial tactile electronics. Facile manufacturing processes and outstanding multi-modal sensing characteristics make the 3D-structured sensor possess great implement potential in the next-generation intelligent bionic equipment or systems.