Multifunctional sensing platform based on green-synthesized silver nanostructure and microcrack architecture

Abstract Multimodality in simultaneous sensing of multiple stimuli is highly desirable for artificial skins to expand their applications in industrial robotics, e.g., environmental monitoring robots. However, integrating multifunctional sensing abilities into a single material system via a green-synthesized method is a considerable challenge. In this study, we developed a facile method to fabricate a multifunctional platform with a high-level of performance, simultaneously in pollutant-, strain-, and humidity- monitoring, based on a cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)-templated silver nanostructure and microcrack architecture design. The green-synthesized CNC-regulated silver nanostructure endows the sensing platform with a high sensitivity (10-15 M) for the detection of organic dyes in wastewater. Furthermore, inspired by the sensing mechanism and versatility of a spider’s crack‐shaped slit organs, a unique microcrack architecture was constructed on an elastomer to sense strain and humidity. This work is expected to not only guide the design of material‐based approaches for multifunctional sensing, but also provides new insights for building environment-monitoring robots in practical applications.