Graphene/MXene modified polyurethane flexible nanomembrane for dual-functional pressure-temperature sensing

Flexible sensors have shown significant potential for applications in smart wearable devices, electronic skin, and health monitoring. However, developing high-performance sensors with a wide sensing range and high sensitivity using simple and cost-effective fabrication methods remains a challenge. Unlike traditional single-function sensors that can only detect strain, a flexible wearable pressure–temperature dual-functional sensor based on an electrospun nanofiber platform was developed in this study. A resistive pressure sensor was fabricated by spraying a graphene/MXene composite solution onto polyurethane (PU) nanofibers film. Additionally, a resistive temperature sensor was also coupled onto the pressure sensor by combining graphene/MXene with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly (styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), forming a dual-functional sensor. The fabricated sensors exhibit ultra-high sensitivity (GF ≈ 1200), fast response times (110 ms), high durability, and stable performance without degradation even after up to 5,000 cycles of motion. This dual-functional sensor can achieve precise temperature detection with a resolution of 1 °C. In practical applications, the sensor can be comfortably worn on the wrist, enabling real-time monitoring of subtle strain changes such as pulse beats and large strain variations like finger bending, as well as temperature fluctuations such as body temperature.