High-performance wearable pressure sensor based on Ag nanowire/MXene composite for motion monitoring

Flexible pressure sensors based on 2D materials hold great promise for applications in medical health monitoring, wearable electronics, and human-machine interaction. Compared to conventional materials, MXene, a 2D material, exhibits high electrical conductivity, a large specific surface area, and excellent mechanical flexibility, making it an ideal candidate for pressure sensors. However, achieving high sensitivity, fast response, and long-term stability in pressure sensors remains a challenge. In this study, a highly conductive and stable flexible sensing layer was developed using an MXene-Ag nanotube composite. Additionally, a biomimetic microstructure design was employed to optimize the mechanical and electrical properties of the sensor, enhancing the stability of the contact interface and overall sensing performance. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed sensor exhibits ultrahigh sensitivity (minimum detectable pressure of 0.1 Pa), rapid response time (42 ms), fast recovery time (21 ms), excellent linear response, and outstanding cycling stability (>5000 cycles). Furthermore, the sensor can precisely detect pressure variations at different speeds and has been successfully applied to human motion monitoring, micro-pressure detection, and pulse signal sensing. Notably, in medical diagnostics, the device can accurately detect the pulse signals of cardiovascular disease patients, providing a low-cost, portable, and non-invasive health monitoring solution.