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Hierarchical PVDF-HFP/ZnO composite nanofiber–based highly sensitive piezoelectric sensor for wireless workout monitoring

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Abstract

High sensitivity of sensors is extremely significant for precisely monitoring imperceptible changes of motion in real-time, which cannot be achieved by traditional piezoelectric devices. Herein, a hierarchical polyvinylidene fluoride hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP)/ZnO composite nanaofiber piezoelectric sensor with highly sensitivity has been prepared through epitaxial growing ZnO nanosheets on the surface of electrospun PVDF-HFP nanofibers. Systematic investigations have shown that their optimum pressure sensing performance with a sensitivity of 1.9 V kPa−1 and a short response time of 20 ms are achieved for forces from 0.02 to 0.5 N with excellent durability and stability up to 5000 cycles. Moreover, this sensor can precisely detect the imperceptible changes in player’s motions to avoid injury from overtraining. Additionally, a Bluetooth-low-energy that tracks player’s workout and transmits the output signals wirelessly to a smartphone app is utilized. The study provides a feasible approach for high-precision detecting and safety monitoring in the fields of medical, rehabilitation medicine, and workout security.

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Funding

This work was supported by the Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation, China (ZR2020MA066, ZR2020ME193) and the Shandong Natural Science Funds for Distinguished Young Scholar (ZR2020JQ20).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Collaborative Innovation Center for Nanomaterials & Devices, College of Physics, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China

    Guo-Yi Li, Yu-Peng Zhang, Xiao Zhang, Zi-Jun Wang, Wen-Peng Han, Yun-Ze Long & Hong-Di Zhang

  2. School of Physical Education, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China

    Jian Li

  3. Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Road, Jiangsu, 266003, Qingdao, China

    Zhao-Jian Li

  4. College of Microtechnology & Nanotechnology, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China

    Bin Sun

  5. Weihai Innovation Research Institute of Qingdao University, Weihai, 264200, People’s Republic of China

    Bin Sun

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  1. Guo-Yi Li
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  3. Zhao-Jian Li
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Li, GY., Li, J., Li, ZJ. et al. Hierarchical PVDF-HFP/ZnO composite nanofiber–based highly sensitive piezoelectric sensor for wireless workout monitoring. Adv Compos Hybrid Mater 5, 766–775 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42114-021-00331-z

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