Coral-Inspired Capacitive Pressure Sensor with High Sensitivity and Wide Range for Human–Computer Interaction

Abstract

Flexible capacitive pressure sensors have extensive applications in healthcare and human-computer interaction. However, current sensors face challenges in sensitivity, response range, and batch-to-batch consistency. Herein, inspired by coral, a capacitive pressure sensor featuring a Y-shaped dielectric layer is developed, offering high sensitivity and a wide detection range. The innovative biomimetic ″Y-shaped coral″ gradient tilt structure skillfully combines two effects: the change in contact area and the reduction in plate spacing, in response to pressure changes. This design not only expands the compressible range of the sensor but also achieves a good balance between high sensitivity and a wide response range. Experimental results show that the fabricated sensor exhibits high sensitivity (1.10 kPa^–1), a substantial response range (210 kPa), minimal hysteresis (≈3%), and excellent durability (withstanding over 20,000 cycles at 100 kPa). This sensor has broad application prospects in human-computer interaction, intelligent devices, flexible sensing arrays, and meteorological monitoring, enabling precise identification, real-time monitoring, and efficient support functions. Therefore, we believe that this study not only provides a design approach for capacitive pressure sensors but also offers strong support for technological advancement and application innovation in related fields.