Paper-Based ZnS:Cu Alternating Current Electroluminescent Devices for Current Humidity Sensors with High–Linearity and Flexibility

Abstract

Humidity sensors are indispensable for various electronic systems and instrumentations. To develop a new humidity sensing mechanism is the key for the next generation of sensor technology. In this work, a novel flexible paper-based current humidity sensor is proposed. The developed alternating current electroluminescent devices (ACEL) consist of the electroless plating Ni on filter paper and silver nanowires (AgNWs) as the bottom and upper electrodes, and ZnS:Cu as the phosphor layer, respectively. The proposed humidity sensor is based on ACEL with the paper substrate and the ZnS:Cu phosphor layer as the humidity sensing element. The moisture effect on the optical properties of ACELs has been studied firstly. Then, the processing parameters of the paper-based ACELs such as electroless plated bottom electrode and spin-coated phosphor layer as a function of the humidity-sensitive characteristics are investigated. The sensing mechanism of the proposed sensor has been elucidated based on the Q ~ V analysis. The sensor exhibits an excellent linearity ( R 2 = 0.99965 ) within the humidity range from 20% to 90% relative humidity (RH) and shows excellent flexibility. We also demonstrate its potential application in postharvest preservation where the EL light is used for preservation and the humidity can be monitored simultaneously through the current.