Highly stretchable, sensitive, and flexible strain sensors based on silver nanoparticles/carbon nanotubes composites

Strain sensors based on Ag nanoparticles (NPs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) composites on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate were fabricated. The sensors show high sensitivity with tunable gauge factors in the range of 2.1–39.8, high stretchability of 95.8%, good linearity and excellent long-time stability. A simple model for the working principle of the sensors has been proposed. It is suggested that the Ag NPs can modify the surface of CNT and reduce the interfacial resistance between CNTs, which plays an important role in achieving the superb performance of the sensors. The high-performance flexible strain sensor based on silver nanoparticles/CNTs composites has been fabricated using a convenient way. Based on the good structure design and the change of contact forms of the nanomaterials, the strain sensor not only can gain higher gauge (2.1–39.8) factor and sensitivity, but also can possess good stretchability (up to 95.8%). [Display omitted] •The flexible strain sensor based on Ag nanoparticle/CNT composites was fabricated.•The sensor can achieve a preferable performance due to the good structure design.•The strain sensor can gain higher gauge factor, sensitivity and stretchability.