Papertronics: Hand-written MoS2 on paper based highly sensitive and recoverable pressure and strain sensors

Pencil (graphite) on paper (PoP) electronics has gained significant attention due to its low cost and versatility in developing customizable disposable electronics. Despite the convenience of the PoP methodology in device fabrication its application in developing electronics is limited due to the absence of a bandgap in graphite. The present work is the first demonstration of the direct writing of 2D MoS2 trace on paper which was utilized as a pressure and strain sensor. Detailed characterization studies revealed the formation of rhombohedral and hexagonal phased MoS2 micro-flowers. XPS studies revealed the formation of mixed 1T (metallic) and 2H (semiconducting) phases of MoS2. With the increase in the number of traces of 2D MoS2 on paper, the resistance of the channel decreased owing to the increase in conducting channels. The as-fabricated pressure sensor displayed a sensitivity of 2.21 kPa−1 and strain sensor displayed a GF of 13. Also, the sensor displayed an excellent durability for 1600 cycles. The superior response of the sensor can be attributed to the synergistic properties of micro fibrous paper substrate and piezo-dependent electron transfer of 2D-MoS2. The presented technique enables “make it yourself” multifunctional device that have numerous potential applications in the field of consumer electronics and personal healthcare monitoring.