High-sensitivity wearable multi-signal sensor based on self-powered MXene hydrogels

Abstract

Developing high-performance wearable sensors with multi-sensing capabilities for different signals such as temperature, human motion and physiological signals remains a challenge. In this report, a novel catechol functionalization of PVA-CA/Poly(N-acryloyl glycinamide)/MXene hydrogels(PcNA-M) was fabricated by combining the thermosensitivity of Poly(N-acryloyl glycinamide)(PNAGA) hydrogel and the self-powered properties of the catechol functionalization of PVA(Pc)/MXene hydrogels. The mixing ratio of PNAGA and Pc was adjusted to impart the resulting PcNA-M with good tensile, compression, rebound properties, rapid self-healing and temperature sensing properties. In addition, the conductivity of the hydrogel was found to have contributions from ionic and electrical conductivity. To produce different forms of electrical signals for different signal sources, the PcNA-M sensor was utilized to monitor the resistive and voltage signals during body movements, switching temperature and handwriting motion. The PcNA-M sensor exhibits high sensitivity, identifiability, and reliability in applications of self-powered wearable sensors, and demonstrates great prospects in the field of low-frequency mechanical energy harvesting. This study opens a new possibility for wearable self-powered multi-signal sensors to monitor different signals related to human motion.