Microstructured nanofiber flexible sensor with thermal management function

Abstract

The utility model provides a microstructured nanofiber flexible sensor with a thermal management function, which comprises an electrolyte layer, an upper electrode layer and a lower electrode layer, the upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer are attached to the upper surface and the lower surface of the electrolyte layer, and the upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer are respectively connected with leads; the upper electrode layer is a CNT / TPU nanofiber electrode layer and comprises a patterned TPU nanofiber substrate and a carbon nanotube attached to the patterned TPU nanofiber substrate; the patterned TPU nanofiber substrate is provided with a microstructure with a grid pattern; the electrolyte layer is a porous ion aerogel electrolyte layer, and the surface of the electrolyte layer is provided with an uneven microstructure similar to the surface of abrasive paper. The lower electrode layer is an Ag / TPU nanofiber electrode layer and comprises a TPU nanofiber substrate and a silver plating layer attached to one surface of the TPU nanofiber substrate; the nanofiber flexible sensor provided by the utility model has excellent sensing performance and a good thermal management function.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of flexible sensors, and in particular relates to a microstructured nanofiber flexible sensor with a thermal management function. Background Art

[0002] Wearable sensors have been rapidly developed in various applications in various human monitoring systems. However, most reported flexible sensors are prepared on impermeable polymer substrates, which hinder the gas exchange between the covered skin and the outside world, resulting in discomfort during wearing. To overcome the above problems, natural textiles, such as cotton and yarn, are widely used as ideal substrates for manufacturing flexible sensors due to their breathability, lightness and comfort. However, due to their inherent disadvantages of hydrophilicity, high thickness and low elastic modulus, the practical application of most textile-based sensors is still limited. Specifically, the hydrophilicity of textiles causes sensitive materials (e.g., carbon-based materials, conductive polymers and metal nanoparticles) on the fabric texture to easily fall off when encountering sweat secreted by the skin after long-term coverage; the high thickness and low elastic modulus make wearable sensors unable to adapt to the deformation of soft skin, thereby reducing sensing accuracy and wearing comfort. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop advanced wearable sensors that have the advantages of breathability, waterproofness and thinness.

[0003] Compared to traditional natural textiles, textiles made from nanofibers fabricated via a simple electrospinning process have emerged as a promising alternative for constructing advanced wearable sensors with excellent wear resistance and comfort. Their excellent wearability, low density, ultrathin thickness, sufficient breathability, excellent hydrophobicity, high porosity, and good surface functionality have led to rapid development in the field of wearable sensors. However, their ultrathin and porous nature inevitably leads to poor thermal insulation, which severely reduces wearing comfort and reduces the accuracy of signal capture in cold winter conditions. Therefore, the development of nanofiber sensors with both thermal management capabilities and good sensing performance remains a research priority. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, in order to solve the above technical problems, the utility model proposes a microstructured nanofiber flexible sensor with thermal management function and good sensing performance, which consists of a microstructured CNT (carbon nanotube) / TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) nanofiber electrode layer located on the upper layer, a porous ion aerogel electrolyte layer in the middle and an Ag / TPU nanofiber electrode layer in the lower layer. Thanks to the microstructure of the sensor and the ion supercapacitor pressure sensing mechanism, the sensor has excellent sensing performance. At the same time, due to the CNT with high solar absorption rate, the aerogel with low thermal conductivity for heat insulation and the Ag with high infrared reflectivity facing the skin, the sensor has good thermal insulation performance.

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the technical solution of the utility model is achieved as follows:

[0006] A microstructured nanofiber flexible sensor with thermal management function, comprising:

[0007] An upper electrode layer, wherein the upper electrode layer is a CNT / TPU nanofiber electrode layer, comprising a patterned TPU nanofiber substrate and carbon nanotubes attached to the patterned TPU nanofiber substrate; the patterned TPU nanofiber substrate has a microstructure of a grid pattern;

[0008] An electrolyte layer, wherein the electrolyte layer is a porous ion aerogel electrolyte layer, and the surface of the electrolyte layer has an uneven microstructure similar to that of sandpaper;

[0009] A lower electrode layer, wherein the lower electrode layer is an Ag / TPU nanofiber electrode layer, comprising a TPU nanofiber substrate and a silver-plated layer attached to one side of the TPU nanofiber substrate;

[0010] The upper electrode layer is attached to the upper surface of the electrolyte layer, and the lower electrode layer is attached to the lower surface of the electrolyte layer; the upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer are connected to leads respectively.

[0011] The CNT / TPU nanofiber electrode layer is prepared by dissolving TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) particles in a mixture of THF and DMF, obtaining a nanofiber substrate through an electrospinning process, and then uniformly spraying a CNT (carbon nanotube) solution onto the nanofiber substrate and drying it. In the electrospinning process, a metal mesh is set on the collecting roller of the electrospinning machine, so that the prepared nanofiber substrate (patterned TPU nanofiber substrate) presents a grid pattern microstructure. These structures can reduce the effective contact area between the electrode and the electrolyte, reduce the initial capacitance, thereby improving the sensitivity of the sensor and optimizing the sensing performance. In the CNT / TPU nanofiber electrode layer prepared by the electrospinning and spraying process, due to the overall porous structure and hydrophobicity of TPU, the sensor exhibits excellent air permeability and waterproof properties. At the same time, due to the high radiation absorption rate of CNT, it has good radiation heating performance.

[0012] The porous ion aerogel electrolyte layer is formed by pouring a solution containing anions, cations, cellulose and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) into a culture dish containing sandpaper, and then freeze-drying and peeling it off. As a result, it has many uneven microstructures similar to the surface of sandpaper. These structures can reduce the effective contact area between the electrode and the electrolyte, reduce the initial charge, improve the sensitivity, and optimize the sensing performance. At the same time, due to the low thermal conductivity of the ion aerogel, which is close to the thermal conductivity of air, it can effectively prevent heat loss.

[0013] The Ag / TPU nanofiber electrode layer is obtained by dissolving TPU particles in a mixture of THF and DMF, obtaining a nanofiber base through an electrospinning process, and then magnetron sputtering silver on one side of the nanofiber base. The silver is firmly and evenly attached to the TPU nanofibers. The Ag / TPU nanofiber electrode layer has a high infrared reflectivity and can effectively prevent heat loss caused by radiant heat exchange from the human body.

[0014] Furthermore, the grids in the microstructure of the grid pattern of the patterned TPU nanofiber substrate are square, rectangular or triangular, the side length of each grid is 0.3 to 0.6 mm, and the width of the grid lines is 0.08 to 0.15 mm.

[0015] Furthermore, each grid in the microstructure of the grid pattern of the patterned TPU nanofiber substrate is a square with a side length of 0.4 mm, and the width of the grid line is 0.12 mm.

[0016] Furthermore, the uneven microstructure of the electrolyte layer similar to the sandpaper surface is a combination of uneven micropores (due to the thin thickness, holes will be generated during the peeling process) and uneven depressions and protrusions.

[0017] Furthermore, the silver-plated layer is located on the side of the TPU nanofiber substrate that is attached to the electrolyte layer.

[0018] Furthermore, the upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer are integral structures and attached to the upper and lower surfaces of the electrolyte layer;

[0019] Or the upper electrode layer is a plurality of strip structures, which are distributed in parallel at equal intervals and attached to the upper surface of the electrolyte layer; the lower electrode layer is a plurality of strip structures, which are distributed in parallel at equal intervals and attached to the lower surface of the electrolyte layer and are perpendicular to the distribution direction of the upper electrode layer; each strip structure is connected to a lead.

[0020] Compared with the existing technology, the microstructured nanofiber flexible sensor with thermal management function described in the present invention has the following advantages:

[0021] The microstructured nanofiber flexible sensor with thermal management function described in the present invention is composed of a microstructured CNT (carbon nanotube) / TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) nanofiber electrode layer located on the upper layer, a porous ion aerogel electrolyte layer in the middle, and an Ag / TPU nanofiber electrode layer on the lower layer. Thanks to the sensor's microstructure and ion supercapacitor pressure sensing mechanism, the sensor has excellent sensing performance; at the same time, the sensor has good thermal management performance due to the CNT with high solar energy absorption rate, the aerogel with low thermal conductivity used for insulation, and the Ag with high infrared reflectivity facing the skin. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which constitute part of the present invention, are intended to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are intended to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the microstructured nanofiber flexible sensor with thermal management function described in Example 1 of the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the microstructured nanofiber flexible sensor with thermal management function described in Example 1 of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of the microstructured nanofiber flexible sensor with thermal management function described in Example 2 of the present utility model.

[0026] Description of reference numerals:

[0027] 1-upper electrode layer, 2-electrolyte layer, 3-lower electrode layer, 4-patterned TPU nanofiber substrate, 5-carbon nanotubes, 6-TPU nanofiber substrate, 7-silver plating layer, 8-lead. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features therein can be combined with each other.

[0029] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "back," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," and the like, indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended solely to facilitate the description of the present invention and simplify the description. They do not indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the present invention. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to direct connections, indirect connections through an intermediate medium, or internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this utility model based on specific circumstances.

[0031] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with embodiments.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, a microstructured nanofiber flexible sensor with thermal management function includes an upper electrode layer 1, an electrolyte layer 2, and a lower electrode layer 3;

[0034] The upper electrode layer 1 is a CNT / TPU nanofiber electrode layer, comprising a patterned TPU nanofiber substrate 4 and carbon nanotubes 5 attached to the patterned TPU nanofiber substrate 4; the patterned TPU nanofiber substrate 4 has a microstructure of a grid pattern; each grid in the microstructure of the grid pattern of the patterned TPU nanofiber substrate 4 is a square with a side length of 0.4 mm, and the width of the grid line is 0.12 mm;

[0035] The electrolyte layer 2 is a porous ion aerogel electrolyte layer, and its surface has an uneven microstructure similar to the surface of sandpaper; the uneven microstructure of the electrolyte layer 2 similar to the surface of sandpaper is a combination of uneven micropores and uneven concave and convex;

[0036] The lower electrode layer 3 is an Ag / TPU nanofiber electrode layer, which includes a TPU nanofiber substrate 6 and a silver-plated layer 7 attached to one side of the TPU nanofiber substrate 6; the silver-plated layer 7 is located on the side of the TPU nanofiber substrate 6 on which the electrolyte layer 2 is attached;

[0037] The upper electrode layer 1 and the lower electrode layer 3 are integral structures. The upper electrode layer 1 is attached to the upper surface of the electrolyte layer 2 , and the lower electrode layer 3 is attached to the lower surface of the electrolyte layer 2 . The upper electrode layer 1 and the lower electrode layer 3 are connected to leads 8 respectively.

[0038] Example 2

[0039] like Figure 3As shown, based on Example 1, the difference from Example 1 is that the upper electrode layer 1 is a plurality of strip structures, which are evenly spaced and parallelly distributed and attached to the upper surface of the electrolyte layer 2; the lower electrode layer 2 is a plurality of strip structures, which are evenly spaced and parallelly distributed and attached to the lower surface of the electrolyte layer 2, and are perpendicular to the distribution direction of the upper electrode layer 1; each strip structure is connected to a lead 8.

[0040] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A microstructured nanofiber flexible sensor with thermal management function, characterized in that ,include: An upper electrode layer, wherein the upper electrode layer is a CNT / TPU nanofiber electrode layer, comprising a patterned TPU nanofiber substrate and carbon nanotubes attached to the patterned TPU nanofiber substrate; the patterned TPU nanofiber substrate has a microstructure of a grid pattern; An electrolyte layer, wherein the electrolyte layer is a porous ion aerogel electrolyte layer, and the surface of the electrolyte layer has an uneven microstructure similar to that of sandpaper; A lower electrode layer, wherein the lower electrode layer is an Ag / TPU nanofiber electrode layer, comprising a TPU nanofiber substrate and a silver-plated layer attached to one side of the TPU nanofiber substrate; The upper electrode layer is attached to the upper surface of the electrolyte layer, and the lower electrode layer is attached to the lower surface of the electrolyte layer; the upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer are connected to leads respectively.

2. The microstructured nanofiber flexible sensor with thermal management function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The grids in the microstructure of the grid pattern of the patterned TPU nanofiber substrate are square, rectangular or triangular, the side length of each grid is 0.3 to 0.6 mm, and the width of the grid lines is 0.08 to 0.15 mm.

3. The microstructured nanofiber flexible sensor with thermal management function according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each grid in the microstructure of the grid pattern of the patterned TPU nanofiber substrate is a square with a side length of 0.4 mm, and the width of the grid line is 0.12 mm.

4. The microstructured nanofiber flexible sensor with thermal management function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The uneven microstructure of the electrolyte layer, similar to the sandpaper surface, is a combination of uneven micropores and uneven concavities and convexities.

5. The microstructured nanofiber flexible sensor with thermal management function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The silver-plated layer is located on the side of the TPU nanofiber substrate that is attached to the electrolyte layer.

6. The microstructured nanofiber flexible sensor with thermal management function according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer are integral structures and are attached to the upper and lower surfaces of the electrolyte layer; Or the upper electrode layer is a plurality of strip structures, which are distributed in parallel at equal intervals and attached to the upper surface of the electrolyte layer; the lower electrode layer is a plurality of strip structures, which are distributed in parallel at equal intervals and attached to the lower surface of the electrolyte layer and are perpendicular to the distribution direction of the upper electrode layer; each strip structure is connected to a lead.

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