Strain Sensors with a High Sensitivity and a Wide Sensing Range Based on a Ti3C2Tx (MXene) Nanoparticle–Nanosheet Hybrid Network. (15th February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Yina; Shi, Liangjing; Cao, Zherui; Wang, Ranran; Sun, Jing
• Is Part Of: Advanced functional materials. Volume 29:Number 14(2019)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2019-02-15
• Subjects: controllable synthesis -- flexible and wearable -- microcrack propagation mechanism -- strain sensors -- Ti3C2Tx; Materials -- Periodicals; Chemical vapor deposition -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201807882
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1616-301X

Abstract

Abstract: A high sensitivity and large stretchability are desirable for strain sensors in wearable applications. However, these two performance indicators are contradictory, since the former requires a conspicuous structural change under a tiny strain, whereas the latter demands morphological integrity upon a large deformation. Developing strain sensors with both a high sensitivity (gauge factor (GF) > 100) and a broad strain range (>50%) is a considerable challenge. Herein, a unique Ti3 C2 T x MXene nanoparticle–nanosheet hybrid network is constructed. The migration of nanoparticles leads to a large resistance variation while the wrapping of nanosheet bridges the detached nanoparticles to maintain the connectivity of the conductive pathways in a large strain region. The synergetic motion of nanoparticles and nanosheets endows the hybrid network with splendid electrical–mechanical performance, which is reflected in its high sensitivity (GF > 178.4) over the entire broad range (53%), the super low detection limit (0.025%), and a good cycling durability (over 5000 cycles). Such high performance endows the strain sensor with the capability for full‐range human motion detection. Abstract : A strain sensor based on a Ti3 C2 Tx nanoparticle‐nanosheet hybrid network exhibits high sensitivity over the entire broad range due to the synergetic motion of nanoparticles and nanosheets and a constrained microcrack propagation mechanism. The migration of nanoparticles leads to a large resistance variation while the wrapping of the nanosheets bridges the nanoparticles and maintains the connectivity of the conductive pathways.