Nanomaterials for new and emerging physical sensing applications: a review of recent developments

Purpose - This paper aims to provide details of recently reported work on the use of nanomaterials in sensors for physical variables. Design/methodology/approach - Following a short introduction, this paper first discusses research involving the use of a range of nanomaterials for strain sensing. It then considers the applications of these materials to sensors for pressure, force, touch and allied variables. It concludes with a brief discussion and 33 references. Findings - This paper shows that nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, metallic nanoparticles and nanowires are being studied extensively in the physical-sensing context. All manner of sensors have been developed, based on a diversity of principles and technologies, and many offer excellent performance and unique capabilities, making them particularly well-suited to emerging applications such as wearable sensing devices. Originality/value - This paper provides a detailed and timely review of the rapidly growing body of research into the use of nanomaterials for sensing physical quantities.