Fabrication and Performance Study of a Resistive Humidity Sensor Based on ZIF-8-Derived Carbon
Research Center for Flexible Sensing Materials and Devices, School of Applied Physics and Materials, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
| Abstract: | Here is the English translation of the provided abstract, maintaining an academic and technical tone suitable for a research paper; With the rapid development of smart wearable devices and health monitoring technologies, flexible humidity sensors featuring high sensitivity, a wide detection range, and low hysteresis have become a research focus. Conventional humidity sensors are limited by rigid substrates, low sensitivity, poor stability, and significant temperature drift, making them inadequate for wearable detection requirements. In this study, ZIF-8 was employed as a precursor to successfully prepare ZIF-8-derived porous carbon humidity-sensitive materials through solution stirring, high-temperature heat treatment, and acid-washing modification. A flexible resistive humidity sensor was constructed on a flexible interdigital electrode via drop-coating. The effects of modification conditions (acid type, acid concentration, and acid-washing duration) on the material’s microstructure, defect density, specific surface area, and humidity-sensing performance were systematically investigated. The optimal preparation parameters were determined to be heat treatment at 800°C followed by acid washing with 2 mol/L sulfuric acid at 80°C for 6 h. The resulting ZIF8@800-H2SO4-2M sensor exhibited outstanding humidity‑sensing performance, including a detection range of 11%RH to 98%RH, a sensitivity of 1.10 /% RH, a hysteresis as low as 4.30% RH, a response time of 54.82 s, and a recovery time of 25.21 s. Furthermore, the sensor demonstrated excellent repeatability (deviation < 8.2%), long‑term stability, and mechanical bending stability. The sensor can accurately monitor human respiratory signals and achieve non‑contact palm humidity perception, indicating broad application potential in wearable health monitoring and non‑contact human-machine interaction. |
| Keywords: | ZIF-8-derived Carbon; Resistive Humidity Sensor; Acid-washing Modification; Flexible Sensor; Wearable Health Monitoring; Humidity Sensing Mechanism |
| DOI: | 10.57237/j.cse.2026.03.001 |
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Received: 17 July 2026
Accepted: 14 August 2026
Published Online: 7 September 2026
Funding
| 1. | 广东省教育厅普通高校重点科研平台和项目创新团队项目 (No. 2025KCXTD047) |
| 2. | 松山湖材料实验室开放研究基金 (No. 2023SLABFN31) |
| 3. | 广东省大学生科技创新培育专项资金 (No. pdjh2025bk224) |
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