Flexible sensor based on carbon nanofibers with multifunctional sensing features

Herein, we present the fabrication and characterization of a flexible gas sensor based on carbon nanofibers. The sensing device is composed of interdigitated silver electrodes deposited by inkjet printing on Kapton substrates, subsequently coated with carbon nanofibers as sensing element. Gas sensing response to CO, NH3 and humidity has been characterized in detail. Thermal, mechanical and electromagnetic radiation effects have also been studied and discussed from the point of view of the cross-sensitivity. The obtained results open the door for a new generation of flexible sensors with multifunctional sensing features, which are producible with scalable techniques based on low cost nanomaterials. ► We present a new flexible sensor based on carbon nanofibers. ► The sensor was fabricated combining inkjet and spray technique. ► Electrical and thermal characterization is performed. ► The interaction with strain, electromagnetic radiation and gas response is studied. ► Cross-sensitivity effects and future applications for the device are discussed.