Flexible electrochemical sensors based on nanomaterials: Constructions, applications and prospects

Abstract

With the widespread application of flexible electrochemical sensors in environmental monitoring, medical diagnosis, food quality and safety analysis, and the other related fields, many functional nanomaterials have been developed for the construction of flexible electrodes. Here, we review the recent advances in the construction of flexible electrochemical sensors, with special attention to the functional nanomaterials. Firstly, the working principle of such electrochemical sensors with functional materials are introduced. The functional materials are mainly including metal nanomaterials, carbon-based materials, metal organic framework-based materials, single-atom materials, conductive polymers, MXene-based materials, and others. These materials are employed in the construction of flexible electrochemical sensors based on their excellent electrochemical activity, large specific surface area, and good biocompatibility. Then, the review explores the different application of flexible electrochemical sensors in fields of sports monitoring, environmental monitoring, medical diagnosis, and food quality and safety. Finally, the challenges and future directions of flexible electrochemical sensing are further discussed.