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Marangoni-driven deterministic formation of softer, hollow microstructures for sensitivity-enhanced tactile system

Author

Listed:
  • Wennan Xiong

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology
    Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Fan Zhang

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology
    Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Shiyuan Qu

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology
    Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Liting Yin

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology
    Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Kan Li

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology
    Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • YongAn Huang

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology
    Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

Abstract

Microengineering the dielectric layers with three-dimensional microstructures has proven effective in enhancing the sensitivity of flexible pressure sensors. However, the widely employed geometrical designs of solid microstructures exhibit limited sensitivity over a wide range of pressures due to their inherent but undesired structural compressibility. Here, a Marangoni-driven deterministic formation approach is proposed for fabricating hollow microstructures, allowing for greater deformation while retarding structural stiffening during compression. Fluid convective deposition enables solute particles to reassemble in template microstructures, controlling the interior cavity with a void ratio exceeding 90%. The hollow micro-pyramid sensor exhibits a 10-fold sensitivity improvement across wider pressure ranges over the pressure sensor utilizing solid micro-pyramids, and an ultra-low detect limit of 0.21 Pa. With the advantages of facilitation, scalability, and large-area compatibility, such an approach for hollow microstructures can be expanded to other sensor types for superior performance and has considerable potential in robotic tactile and epidermal devices.

Suggested Citation

  • Wennan Xiong & Fan Zhang & Shiyuan Qu & Liting Yin & Kan Li & YongAn Huang, 2024. "Marangoni-driven deterministic formation of softer, hollow microstructures for sensitivity-enhanced tactile system," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-49864-z
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49864-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ningning Bai & Liu Wang & Qi Wang & Jue Deng & Yan Wang & Peng Lu & Jun Huang & Gang Li & Yuan Zhang & Junlong Yang & Kewei Xie & Xuanhe Zhao & Chuan Fei Guo, 2020. "Graded intrafillable architecture-based iontronic pressure sensor with ultra-broad-range high sensitivity," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-9, December.
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