Novel fabrication of polymer/carbon nanotube composite coated Janus paper for humidity stress sensor.

Graphical abstract Abstract In this work, we constructed a sensing system on Janus paper with hydrophilic side and hydrophobic side via depositing polymer precursor onto one side of qualitative filter paper. Water in humid environment (including liquid water, condensed moisture airflow and gaseous humid atmosphere) will be captured and gathered in the hydrophilic region of Janus paper due to the asymmetric hydrophobicity and hygroscopicity, which can induce the novel directional deformation. Additionally, MWCNTs (multiwalled carbon nanotubes) were loaded onto hydrophobic region beforehand to construct conductive network. The resistance of the conductive network changes synergistically as the Janus paper deforms in humid environment. Thus, the novel Janus paper realized the induction of environment humid factors, and conversion from the deformation signals to the desirable electric signals. The Janus paper also shows excellent stability in cycle use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]