3D MXene-Based Flexible Network for High-Performance Pressure Sensor with a Wide Temperature Range.

Abstract

With the increasing popularity of smart wearable devices, flexible pressure sensors are highly desired in various complex application scenarios. A great challenge for existing flexible pressure sensors is to maintain high sensitivity over a wide temperature range, which is critical for their applications in harsh environments. Herein, a flexible piezoresistive sensor made of polyetherimide (PEI) fibrous network evenly covered with MXene nanosheets is reported to construct conductive pathways, showing ultrahigh sensitivity over a wide temperature range from -5°C (sensitivity of 80 kPa-1 ) to 150°C (20 kPa-1 ), low detection limit of 9Pa, fast response time of 163ms, outstanding durability over 10000 cycles at room temperature, 2000 cycles at 100°C and 500 cycles at -5°C. The pressure sensor can monitor various human activities in real-time, apply to human-machine interaction, and measure pressure distribution. It also can sensitively respond to external mechanical stimuli at 150°C and extremely low temperature (in liquid nitrogen). Moreover, the fibrous network exhibits an excellent Joule heating performance, which can reach 78°C at an applied voltage of 12V. Thus, the piezoresistive sensor has considerable potential for wearable garments and personal heating applications in harsh temperature conditions.