Three-In-One Sensor Based on Cellulose

Mar-26-19 A cellulose-based sensor able to measure pressure, temperature and humidity could have important applications across a range of industries.

A team from Linköping University created the aerogel sensor by vacuum freeze-drying a combination of water, a conducting polymer and cellulose nanofibers, and then adding a polysilane for elasticity. The result is a flexible, thermoelectric aerogel that will conduct ions and electrons to create a voltage difference. The change in voltage allows the sensor to detect pressure amount when compressed, while the movement of ions from the warm side to the cold indicates humidity. And because the material is thermoelectric, it can also measure temperature.

According to Simone Fabiano, Senior Lecturer at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics, “Our unique sensor also prepares the way for the internet of things, and brings lower complexity and lower production costs. This is an advantage not least in the security industry. A further possible application is placing sensors into packages with sensitive goods.”

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[ELECTRONICSWEEKLY.COM]
[LIU.SE]

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