Applications of MXenes in wearable sensing: Advances, challenges, and prospects

Abstract

Wearable electronic devices find increasing applications in mobile medical sensing and monitoring, human–computer interaction, and portable energy collection and storage, owing to their flexibility and stretchability. In recent years, transition metal nitrides and carbides, known as MXenes, have become cornerstones for the preparation of novel flexible electronic devices because of their excellent electrical conductivities, abundant surface functional groups, and large specific surface areas. This review presents the latest developments in MXene-based wearable electronic products, including hydrogels, paper, composite materials, and self-powered devices. These products can be integrated with artificial intelligence to show unique applications in healthcare, inspection, and control of human-like machines. The application prospects of MXenes in the new generation of wearable electronic devices are forecast, the challenges and difficulties in designing MXene-based wearable electronic devices are discussed, and corresponding solutions are suggested. This review also provides future research directions for the development of MXenes for pliable and wearable applications.