Ultrathin hierarchical hydrogel–carbon nanocomposite for highly stretchable fast-response water-proof wearable humidity sensors

a facile two-step solvent-free approach, which creates a hierarchical architecture consisting of periodic microscale wrinkles and vapor-deposited nanoporous hydrogel-candle-soot nanocoating. The hierarchical surface topography results in a significantly enlarged specific surface area (>107 times that of planar hydrogel), which along with the ultrathin hydrogel endow the sensor with high sensitivity and a fast response/recovery (13/0.48 s) over a wide humidity range (11-96%). Owing to the wrinkle structure and interpenetrating network between the hydrogel and PDMS, the sensor is stable and durable against repeated 180° bending, 100% strain, and even scratching. Furthermore, encapsulation of the sensor imparts excellent resistance to water, sweat, and bacteria without influencing its performance. The sensor is then successfully used to monitor different human respiratory behaviors and skin humidity in real time. The reported method is convenient and cost-effective, which could bring exciting new opportunities in the fabrication of next-generation wearable humidity sensors.