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[Display omitted] Applying a multi-modal sensing algorithm to a skin-like dual-channel self-powered sensor, which accurately detects real-time and continuous changes in pressure on the skin in response to variations in finger-applied force, while mitigating errors induced by temperature fluctuations. • A multimodal sensing algorithm compensating errors induced by temperature fluctuations. • Oxidation-stable metal-elastomer thermoelectric composite with a high pressure-sensitivity. • A self-powered sensor accurately detecting real-time continuous pressure changes. In the rapidly evolving field of electronic skins (e-skins), the development of self-powered sensors has emerged as a promising solution to providing continuous and reliable power sources for embedded sensors. This study introduces a novel approach that incorporates spike-shaped nickel (Ni) microparticles into a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) matrix, resulting in a thermoelectric material that functions as both an energy harvester and a pressure sensor, and a multimodal sensing algorithm designed to mitigate pressure sensing errors arising from temperature fluctuations in the thermoelectric self-powered pressure sensor. The Ni-SEBS composite, with a sensing mechanism that identifies changes in the Ni particle percolation state induced by compressive strain, exhibited a high sensitivity of 0.6234 kPa−1. Based on this composite, a dual-channel self-powered sensor was fabricated using the proposed algorithm and attached to the skin; the sensor successfully detected various forms of external pressure applied to the skin without errors due to temperature changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Facile method for fabricating stretchable vertical graphene array; • Multifunctional perception for pressure, airflow, surface morphology and temperature; • Ultrafast responsiveness and resilience, broad pressure sensing range, high sensitivity, robust cyclability. Electronic skin (e-skin) has significant application prospects in soft robotics, prosthetics, medical monitoring, and wearable equipment. However, it remains a great challenge for e-skin to comprehensively mimic the multifunctional sensing capabilities and characteristics of human skin. Herein, vertical graphene arrays (VGA) were directly fabricated on the surface of a natural latex film using a facile method. The e-skin based on VGA combines the intrinsic properties of graphene and flexible substrates, as well as the morphological advantages of VGA, giving it multifunctional sensing capabilities similar to those of human skin. The e-skin not only exhibited multifunctional tactile perception of the pressure, airflow, and surface morphology of objects, but could also percept the difference in temperature between the detected object and the e-skin in a noncontact manner. Moreover, the sensing characteristics, including an ultrafast responsiveness (6.7 ms) and resilience (13.4 ms), a broad pressure sensing range (2.5 Pa – 1.1 MPa), a high sensitivity, and a robust cyclability, further demonstrate the similarity to that of human skin. The outstanding stretchability of the substrate endows the e-skin with an ultrabroad strain detection range (0.5%∼250%). Furthermore, the e-skin can still maintain the VGA structure, as well as the sensing capability under large tensile deformations. The facile preparation methods and excellent performance mean this e-skin is expected to be applied as a multifunctional integrated e-skin in smart flexible electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]