Layered Structured MXene/PVA Conductive Hydrogels with Excellent Mechanical Properties for Flexible Strain and Temperature Sensing

Conductive hydrogels have broad application in flexible electronics, soft robotics, and human-machine interaction. However, the limited mechanical properties and complex fabrication processes hinder further development. This study proposes a biomimetic hierarchical fabrication strategy to create MXene (2D transition metal carbides)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite conductive hydrogels with a layered microstructure (LMP) via evaporation-induced self-assembly. The joint action of multiple energy dissipation mechanisms significantly enhances the mechanical properties of the hydrogel, achieving a tensile strength of 6.11 MPa, toughness of 20.57 MJ m^- ³, and elongation at break of 730.73%. Meanwhile, the high conductivity of Ti₃C₂T_x MXene endows the hydrogel with excellent sensing capabilities, including strain sensitivity (GF = 1.96), fast response time (≈100 ms), and temperature sensitivity (TCR = -3.468%/°C). This study provides a simple and efficient strategy for developing strong, tough, and multifunctional conductive hydrogels.