Fast-Response Humidity Sensor-Based Smart Face Mask for Multifunctional Applications

The design of fast-response, highly sensitive, and eco-friendly sensors for monitoring human psychological and physical activity is an interesting research topic. In this research work, we have designed a semicircular-shaped printed sensor to monitor respiration response. A semicircular-shaped interdigitated elecreodes-based capacitive sensor is designed in CST studio software using its electrostatic physics module and is fabricated using Voltera V1. The substrate material used for the sensor design is flexible PET, and the ink used for electrodes is silver (Ag). The sensor is tested in a humidity chamber, and the response toward humidity is recorded. The sensor response in terms of capacitance is ~ 128 pF at 30%RH and reaches ~ 4400 pF at 100%RH. The response and recovery time of the sensor is 0.87 s and 1.2 s. The sensor is integrated with the medical face mask. The sensor’s response to different respiration behaviors is recorded. The sensor shows a repeatable and stable response. The sensor is highly sensitive and is further enhanced for breathing monitoring by connecting another sensor in parallel. The sensor is fast-response, highly sensitive, repeatable, and stable, which makes our fabricated sensor the best fit for multifunctional applications.