Multifunctional double-network Ti3C2Tx MXene composite hydrogels for strain sensors with effective electromagnetic interference and UV shielding properties. (24th April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fan, Kefan; Li, Kun; Han, Liuwenlin; Yang, Zhijian; Yang, Junjiao; Zhang, Junying; Cheng, Jue
• Is Part Of: Polymer. Volume 273(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-04-24
• Subjects: Hydrogel -- Double-network -- Ti3C2Tx MXene -- Flexible strain sensors -- Electromagnetic interference shielding -- UV Shielding; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2023.125865
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-3861

Abstract

Abstract: The advent of hydrogel-based flexible strain sensors has generated enormous research interest due to their outstanding biocompatibility. However, developing hydrogel-based strain sensors with high gauge factor, wide detection range and multifunctional integration is still challenging. Here, a novel multifunctional hydrogel-based strain sensor is composed of two-dimensional transition metal carbides/nitrides (Ti3 C2 Tx MXene) and Polyacrylamide- co -Poly- N -hydroxyethylene acrylamide/Carboxy Methyl Cellulose-Fe 3+ dual network structure (PAAm-PHEMAA/CMC-Fe 3+ ) with multiple hydrogen bonds and coordination interactions. The dual network design endowed the hydrogel-based human motion sensor with fast rebound and high tensile properties, enabling it to exhibit high sensitivity (response time ∼120 ms and gauge factor ∼1.62), and a wide detection range (0–700%), including joint movements as well as more subtle human motions (facial micro-expression changes and speech). More importantly, the hydrogel-based strain sensor exhibited excellent EMI (41 dB, X-band) and UV shielding properties (365 nm, 100%, 0.5 mm) due to the synergy of porous structure, moderate conductivity, and ionic solution environment. Moreover, it demonstrated robust adhesion (29 kPa), high shape adaptability, and self-healing capability. This innovative multi-functional flexible sensor design provides guidance for the development, research and application of high-performance flexible wearable materials. Graphical abstract: A novel multifunctional hydrogel-based strain sensor consisted of MXene, dual-network structure (PAAm-PHEMAA/CMC-Fe 3+ ) with multiple hydrogen bonds and coordination interactions, which demonstrated a high sensitivity and a wide detection range, conductive, EMI shielding, UV protection, self-adhesive, and healing properties. Image 1 Highlights: The MXene-based dual network hydrogel is comprised of PAAm-PHEMAA and CMC-Fe 3+ . Hydrogels contain multiple hydrogen bonds and coordination interactions. Hydrogels exhibit excellent ductility, stimulation sensitivity and self-adhesion. As a strain sensor, hydrogels can precisely monitor human movement and vital signs. The sensor can efficiently shield electromagnetic wave and UV light.