Microstructured Gel Polymer Electrolyte and an Interdigital Electrode-Based Iontronic Barometric Pressure Sensor with High Resolution over a Broad Range

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2023 Dec 20;15(50):58976-58983. doi: 10.1021/acsami.3c16276. Epub 2023 Dec 7.

Abstract

We present a novel iontronic barometric pressure sensor based on a gel polymer electrolyte and interdigital electrodes with a much simpler structure than that of existing devices. By introducing high-density microstructures on the gel polymer electrolyte and one side electrode arrangement configuration, the developed sensor offers high performances with an ultrahigh resolution of 10 Pa, an ultrawide barometric pressure-response range from -92 to 7 kPa, a fast response time of ∼15 ms, and excellent long-term stability. The single pressure sensor is able to detect positive and negative barometric pressures without needing any additional means and can operate as a barometric altimeter with a resolution of about one-floor height. The performances of the sensors significantly surpass those of existing barometric pressure sensors. This work provides a new strategy for making high-performance barometric pressure sensors that are highly sought for commercial applications such as altitude detection, negative pressure ambulance, and consumer electronics.

Keywords: altitude; barometric pressure; electrical double layer; interdigital electrode; iontronic sensor.