Compressive Strain Sensing Using 3D Graphene Oxide Hydrogels

Graphene-based hydrogels are characterized by nanoporous structure and tailored properties, which can provide routes to a number of lightweight, multifunctional applications. Here, we report a class of three-dimensionally robust, compression-sensitive, lightweight graphene oxide hydrogel (GOH) with tailored porosity, surface area and electrical conductivity controlled by chemical modification, graphene oxide (GO)concentration and degree of reduction. Ethylene and diamine and ascorbic acid were used as crosslinking agents. The results showed the electrical conductive network formed by crosslinked graphene platelets are densified when subjected to compression, and their response to strains vary with GOH porosity and pore size. This piezoresitive mechanism enables GOH to serve as strain sensors capable of measuring. Copyright 2015. Used by the Society of the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering with permission