Phytic acid-assisted low-temperature carbonization of jute fabric for high-performance flexible pressure sensors

Carbon materials are ideal for flexible pressure sensors owing to their stable conductivity and light weight, yet conventional carbonization often sacrifices flexibility for electrical performance. Here, we report a phytic acid (PA)-assisted strategy that lowers the carbonization temperature of jute by 200 °C while markedly enhancing mechanical properties—showing a 24.9-fold increase in fracture strength (reaching 91.50 kPa), improved elongation (17.96%), and low sheet resistance (8.48 ± 0.45 Ω/sq). We have developed a flexible pressure sensor (TPU/CPA/DJ) by combining four-layer phytate-assisted carbonated degummed jute (CPA/DJ) with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) via solvent-induced phase separation technology. The sensor exhibits high sensitivity (5.28 kPa⁻¹), a broad detection range (5 Pa to 200 kPa), and a fast response time. The device reliably monitors both human motion and subtle pressures. This work elucidates the role of phosphorus-catalyzed carbon layer formation during low-temperature conversion and provides a sustainable route to high-performance wearable electronics.