Research progress of MXenes-based wearable pressure sensors

Abstract

Flexible wearable pressure sensors can maintain their sensing capability when any deformation occurs, which possess ponderance in the realms of electronic skin, man–machine interaction, medical diagnosis, and human motion detection. Two-dimensional (2D) layered-structured materials of early transition metal carbides and carbonitrides, named MXenes, own fascinating character due to mechanical flexibility, good conductivity, excellent hydrophilic property, large specific surface areas, and unique surface chemistry. The excellent properties of MXenes can improve the sensing performance of flexible pressure sensors based on MXenes. MXenes can be obtained by diverse preparation methods and form composites with other materials conveniently. In particular, polymers are ideal choices for synthesizing MXenes composites due to their versatility, compatibility, and low cost. MXenes or MXenes/polymers display strengthened mechanical flexibility and tensile properties through the design of the structure and the manufacturing process, which makes them desirable for extensive use in the realm of wearable pressure sensors. In this review, we focus on preparation and compounding methods of MXenes and MXenes/polymers as well as recent progress of applications in wearable pressure sensors. Moreover, major challenges and further research are also presented.