Wearable humidity sensor based on porous graphene network for respiration monitoring

Biosens Bioelectron. 2018 Sep 30:116:123-129. doi: 10.1016/j.bios.2018.05.038. Epub 2018 May 25.

Abstract

Respiration is as one of the most essential physiological signals, which can be used to monitor human healthcare and activities. Herein, we report a flexible, lightweight and highly conductive porous graphene network as the humidity sensor for respiration monitoring. To enhance the sensing performance, the graphene oxide (GO), poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS) and Ag colloids (AC) were used to modify the porous graphene. The humidity properties of porous based graphene networks have been investigated at different relative humidity (RH). The porous based graphene sensors exhibit excellent capability of monitoring different breathing patterns including mouse and nose respiration, normal and deep respiration. Besides, the signal variations before and after water intake was recorded by the sensor, which demonstrates the ability to monitor water loss during breathing period. Furthermore, the humidity sensor shows the ability to detect physiological activities including skin moisture, speaking and whistle rhythm, which could be a promising electronic for clinical respiration monitoring.

Keywords: Graphene; Humidity sensor; Porous network; Respiration monitoring; Surface modification.

MeSH terms

  • Biosensing Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic / chemistry
  • Graphite / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Humidity*
  • Monitoring, Physiologic / instrumentation*
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Polystyrenes / chemistry
  • Porosity
  • Respiration*
  • Silver / chemistry
  • Wearable Electronic Devices*

Substances

  • Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic
  • Polymers
  • Polystyrenes
  • colloidal silver
  • poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene)
  • Silver
  • polystyrene sulfonic acid
  • Graphite