Laser direct writing of carbonaceous sensors on cardboard for human health and indoor environment monitoring.

Paper-based sensing platforms hold promise in human physiological health monitoring, soft robots, and indoor environment monitoring, owing to their cost effectiveness, flexibility, disposability, and biodegradability. However, most of the existing paper-based sensors require complex fabrication procedures which are also associated with high-cost. Herein, we report a simple yet effective manufacturing process of paper-based carbonaceous sensors based on a laser direct writing (LDW) method. Specifically, carbonaceous pressure, temperature, and humidity sensors on cardboard are developed for human physiological signal monitoring and indoor environment monitoring. Due to the external force induced compaction of the layered carbon flakes, the LDW pressure sensor array has a sensitivity of ∼-0.563 kPa-1, a broad sensing range (0.009-50 kPa), and a high mechanical durability (over 11 000 cycles), all of which are promising for human health monitoring. The LDW-temperature and humidity devices have sensitivities of -0.002/°C and 36.75 fF per %RH, respectively. A prototype is developed using cardboard integrated with temperature and humidity sensors, which not only serves as an ornament to decorate homes but also works as a sensor platform for indoor environment monitoring. Systematic investigation of the LDW manufacturing process, sensing mechanisms, and sensor design and evaluation illustrates the key aspects of carbonaceous sensors.

Epidermal impedance sensing sheets for precision hydration assessment and spatial mapping.

This paper presents a class of hydration monitor that uses ultrathin, stretchable sheets with arrays of embedded impedance sensors for precise measurement and spatially multiplexed mapping. The devices contain miniaturized capacitive electrodes arranged in a matrix format, capable of integration with skin in a conformal, intimate manner due to the overall skin-like physical properties. These "epidermal" systems noninvasively quantify regional variations in skin hydration, at uniform or variable skin depths. Experimental results demonstrate that the devices possess excellent uniformity, with favorable precision and accuracy. Theoretical models capture the underlying physics of the measurement and enable quantitative interpretation of the experimental results. These devices are appealing for applications ranging from skin care and dermatology, to cosmetology and health/wellness monitoring, with the additional potential for combined use with other classes of sensors for comprehensive, quantitative physiological assessment via the skin.