Optically-Directed Bubble Printing of MXenes on Flexible Substrates toward MXene-Enabled Wearable Electronics and Strain Sensors

This study presents the use of laser-driven microbubbles for micropatterning Ti₃C₂T_X MXenes on flexible polyethylene terephthalate films, yielding conductive micropatterns without the need for pre- or postprocessing. Characterization of the electrical properties under varying strain conditions revealed distinct responses; resistance decreased under compressive strain and increased under tensile strain, demonstrating their potential as strain sensors. The patterns maintained functional integrity over 1000 cycles of bending, with a significant increase in resistance observed under tensile strain (61.6%) compared to compressive strain (11.3%). In addition, narrower MXene lines exhibited greater strain sensitivity, while broader lines were more robust. This work underscores the potential of bubble printing as an effective approach for printing conductive micropatterns and emphasizes its potential for substantial advances in wearable technology, flexible electronics, and strain sensing technologies.