Hybrid core-shell nanofibers as moisture sensors for human breath monitoring

This study reports moisture sensors for monitoring human breath process. The sensors are assembled from hybrid core-shell nanofibers with electrospun poly (acrylonitrile) nanofibers as the mechanical core and thin polyaniline shells as the moisture sensing material, respectively. The polyaniline shells are coated on the electrospun nanofibers via in situ polymerization. The sensors are sensitive to moisture breathed out from both mouth and nose; and their response is determined by the loading and morphology of polyaniline as well as the amount of moisture. In combination with high porosity and mechanical flexibility, the sensors can be readily integrated with textiles to fabricate wearable electronics.