(Invited) Air-Permeable MXene Electrode with Miura-ori Structure for Biosensing

Abstract

MXene is a two-dimensional nanomaterial composed of transition metal carbides/nitrides/carbonitrides developed in recent years. The general formula of MXene is Mn+1XnTx, where X is C or N, M is a transition metal, n is between 1 and 3, and Tx represents different functional groups on the surface. Currently, a popular method for preparing MXene is MAX phase selective etching of A-layer atoms. It has often been used as an useful materials for sensors or as biosensors due to its outstanding physical-mechanical properties, excellent electrical conductivity, and nanostructure to improve the sensitivity, conductivity, and catalytic performance of the sensing devices. In this work, we present an air-permeable MXene electrode capable of recording electromyographic (EMG) signals on the skin surface based on Miura-ori structure. Taking advantages of the Miura-ori structure, MXene-based electrodes have high breathability and low and stable electrode-skin interfacial impedances, facilitating long-term reliable electrophysiological monitoring. The electrolytic gel on top of the conventional wet Ag/AgCl gel electrodes increases the impedance between the electrode and the skin as it gradually dries, inhibiting sweat evaporation and affecting signal acquisition. Therefore, we provide a fascinating electrode design that can be used to obtain high-quality sEMG signals for evaluating body movements such as swallowing.