Emerging Iontronic Sensing: Materials, Mechanisms, and Applications

Abstract

Iontronic sensors represent a novel class of soft electronics which not only replicate the biomimetic structures and perception functions of human skin but also simulate the mechanical sensing mechanism. Relying on the similar mechanism with skin perception, the iontronic sensors can achieve ion migration/redistribution in response to external stimuli, promising iontronic sensing to establish more intelligent sensing interface for human-robotic interaction. Here, a comprehensive review on advanced technologies and diversified applications for the exploitation of iontronic sensors toward ionic skins and artificial intelligence is provided. By virtue of the excellent stretchability, high transparency, ultrahigh sensitivity, and mechanical conformality, numerous attempts have been made to explore various novel ionic materials to fabricate iontronic sensors with skin-like perceptive properties, such as self-healing and multimodal sensing. Moreover, to achieve multifunctional artificial skins and intelligent devices, various mechanisms based on iontronics have been investigated to satisfy multiple functions and human interactive experiences. Benefiting from the unique material property, diverse sensing mechanisms, and elaborate device structure, iontronic sensors have demonstrated a variety of applications toward ionic skins and artificial intelligence.

Functional conductive hydrogels: from performance to flexible sensor applications

“…External stimuli can cause changes in the cross-sectional area and length of the ion-conducting channels, resulting in changes in resistance. 39 Of course, there are also ion-electronic dual-conducting hydrogels that combine the ion and electron conduction mechanism.…”

Multidiscipline Applications of Triboelectric Nanogenerators for the Intelligent Era of Internet of Things

“…For the self-powered sensing system based on TENG, it can be divided into two types. One is active sensor, which uses the signal generated by TENG itself as the sensing signal after external triggering [51][52][53]. This form of sensing system requires the TENG to have the highest output performance and energy conversion efficiency.…”

Recent Progress in Self-Powered Wireless Sensors and Systems Based on TENG

“…In recent years, human daily life has been greatly improved with the rapid development of the world’s economy and technology [ 1 ]. In particular, the development of the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and electronic equipment has enabled us to obtain and process massive amounts of information in real time, which greatly enhances our ability to perceive the world [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. Thus, sensor technology and Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) containing many sensors are becoming more and more important and have attracted much attention from researchers and industries [ 6 ].…”