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Vol. 17 (2025)

Boosting Sensitivity of Cellulose Pressure Sensor via Hierarchically Porous Structure

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-025-01718-z
Minzhang Chen
College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, People’s Republic of China
Xiaoni An
College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, People’s Republic of China
Fengyan Zhao
College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, People’s Republic of China
Pan Chen
School of Material Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, People’s Republic of China
Junfeng Wang
School of Material Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, People’s Republic of China
Miaoqian Zhang
College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, People’s Republic of China
Ang Lu
College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, People’s Republic of China

Corresponding Author: Ang Lu

anglu@whu.edu.cn

Nano-Micro Letters, Vol. 17 (2025), Article Number: 205

Abstract

Pressure sensors are essential for a wide range of applications, including health monitoring, industrial diagnostics, etc. However, achieving both high sensitivity and mechanical ability to withstand high pressure in a single material remains a significant challenge. This study introduces a high-performance cellulose hydrogel inspired by the biomimetic layered porous structure of human skin. The hydrogel features a novel design composed of a soft layer with large macropores and a hard layer with small micropores, each of which contribute uniquely to its pressure-sensing capabilities. The macropores in the soft part facilitate significant deformation and charge accumulation, providing exceptional sensitivity to low pressures. In contrast, the microporous structure in the hard part enhances pressure range, ensuring support under high pressures and preventing structural failure. The performance of hydrogel is further optimized through ion introduction, which improves its conductivity, and as well the sensitivity. The sensor demonstrated a high sensitivity of 1622 kPa−1, a detection range up to 160 kPa, excellent conductivity of 4.01 S m−1, rapid response time of 33 ms, and a low detection limit of 1.6 Pa, outperforming most existing cellulose-based sensors. This innovative hierarchically porous architecture not only enhances the pressure-sensing performance but also offers a simple and effective approach for utilizing natural polymers in sensing technologies. The cellulose hydrogel demonstrates significant potential in both health monitoring and industrial applications, providing a sensitive, durable, and versatile solution for pressure sensing.


Highlights:
1 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.
2 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.
3 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.

Keywords

Pressure sensor Cellulose Hydrogel High sensitivity
Chen, Minzhang, Xiaoni An, Fengyan Zhao, Pan Chen, Junfeng Wang, Miaoqian Zhang, and Ang Lu. 2025. “Boosting Sensitivity of Cellulose Pressure Sensor via Hierarchically Porous Structure”. Nano-Micro Letters 17 (March):205. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-025-01718-z.
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