Wearable pressure sensor based on MXene/single-wall carbon nanotube film with crumpled structure for broad-range measurements

High-performance flexible pressure sensors are attracting great interest owing to their potential applications for electronic skins, human-machine interfaces, and biomedical diagnostics. However, there remain significant challenges for the fabrication of low-cost and high-sensitivity sensors. Here, we report the preparation of Ti3C2Tx MXene/single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) composite films through vacuum-assisted filtration followed by thermal shrinkage. SWNTs can effectively prevent MXenes from stacking and improve the electrical performance of the films. The films are used as a flexible piezoresistive sensor for pressures ranging from 33 Pa to 130 kPa. And experimental test results indicate that the fabricated pressure sensors have high sensitivity (116.15 kPa(-1) below 40 kPa and 12.7 kPa(-1) at 40-130 kPa), a fast response time of 13 ms, and long-term stability over 6000 periods. The sensor can be used to monitor human physiological signals, such as finger movements, voice detection, and wrist pulse in real-time. Moreover, a 4 x 4 sensor array was successfully applied in the pressure distribution mapping of different objects, indicating that the pressure sensor can be applied in electronic skin, medical devices, and other wearable devices.

Automated summary

A high-performance flexible pressure sensor was prepared using Ti3C2Tx MXene / SWNT composite films, demonstrating high sensitivity, fast response time, and stability. The sensor can be used to monitor human physiological signals and pressure distribution mapping of different objects, showing potential for applications in electronic skin, medical devices, and wearable devices.