Interfacial fluid manipulated strategies: Flexible polyaniline film with artificial microstructure for multifunctional sensing of physical and chemical stimuli

Abstract

With the increasing demand for health monitoring, the early diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) faces challenges due to the lack of sensitivity and selectivity in detection methods, as well as humidity interference. In this study, we propose a multifunctional flexible sensor based on an artificial biomimetic oriented microgroove structure of polyaniline (s-PANI@PDMS) fabricated through an industrialized process, aimed at the early screening of CKD by detecting trace ammonia (NH 3 ) in exhaled breath. Owing to this specialized structure, the sensor exhibits a significantly hydrophobic contact angle of up to 120 degrees, along with improved gas transport efficiency. Experimental results demonstrate that s-PANI@PDMS has a low detection limit of 0.5 ppm for NH 3 at room temperature, a response time of only 43 s, and maintains stability at 80 % relative humidity (RH). Notably, these sensors successfully differentiate the severity of the disease in CKD patients, showing high consistency with medical test results. Additionally, the sensor also exhibits pressure sensitivity of 0.64 kPa −1 with a wide detection range (0–223.1 kPa). Benefit by the artificial biomimetic oriented microgroove structure, it can accurately monitor small movements of the human body and gesture recognition, providing new insights for wearable and human-robot interaction devices. This study offers an innovative solution for the development of high-sensitivity gas sensing and multifunctional health monitoring systems in complex humidity environments. • This sensor exhibits a hydrophobic contact angle of 120°, a low NH 3 detection limit of 0.5 ppm, a response time of 43 s, and stability at 80 % RH. • The sensor can effectively distinguish the severity of CKD patients' conditions. • The sensor has 0.64 kPa −1 pressure sensitivity with a wide detection range (0–223.1 kPa).