Boosting Sensitivity of Cellulose Pressure Sensor via Hierarchically Porous Structure

The study introduces a high-performance cellulose hydrogel (HPCH) with a biomimetic layered porous structure inspired by human skin, combining a soft layer with large macropores and a hard layer with small micropores. This unique design enhances both sensitivity and mechanical performance in pressure-sensing applications. The HPCH sensor demonstrates exceptional pressure sensitivity of 1622 kPa⁻¹, a wide detection range of up to 160 kPa, and excellent conductivity of 4.01 S m⁻¹. Ion immersion further optimizes the hydrogel’s conductivity and dielectric properties, offering superior performance compared to existing cellulose-based sensors. The sensor’s outstanding performance in health monitoring, industrial diagnostics, and pressure distribution detection positions it as a versatile, durable, and highly sensitive solution for various pressure-sensing applications, providing a promising path for natural polymer-based sensing technologies.