Wearable superhydrophobic PPy/MXene pressure sensor based on cotton fabric with superior sensitivity for human detection and information transmission

Flexible wearable electronic devices have become potential substitutes for smart wearable devices because of their flexibility and comfort. As an important member in two-dimensional nanomaterial family, MXene is an ideal candidate as active materials for flexible wearable electronic devices due to their high conductivity, high capacitance and large specific surface area. However, limited by the ease of oxidation, the electrical properties of MXene are easily compromised. This limitation is especially more pronounced in humid environments, so that it is a challenge to protect MXene piezoresistive sensor based on cotton fabric from water-rich environment. Here, a superhydrophobic PPy/MXene pressure sensor based on cotton fabric with rough construction structure has been conveniently fabricated. The micro-nano structure surface with low surface energy makes the sensor obtain superhydrophobic properties, which enables the sensor to maintain sensing performance in humid or acid and alkali environment. More important, the as-prepared superhydrophobic PPy/MXene pressure sensor exhibits superior sensitivity, wide detection range for pressure, and long service life in complex environment. Thanks to high sensing performance and fast response and recovery times, the pressure sensor with highly breathable and stable is attached to the human body serve as a smart wearable sensor for real-time monitoring of human movement. In general, this current work has successfully integrated superhydrophobicity into cotton fabric electronic devices, which make textile electronic devices gains waterproof and anti-corrosion properties, expanding the scope of application of materials. The superhydrophobic PPy/MXene pressure sensor is of great promising for application of new generation of long-life liquid-repellent electronics and integrated wearable electronic devices.

Automated summary

This study successfully fabricates a superhydrophobic PPy/MXene pressure sensor based on cotton fabric, which exhibits superior sensitivity, wide detection range for pressure, and long service life. The sensor can maintain sensing performance in humid or acid and alkali environment, and is suitable for real-time monitoring of human movement.