Protein-Inspired Self-Healable Ti3C2 MXenes/Rubber-Based Supramolecular Elastomer for Intelligent Sensing

Abstract

Progress toward the integration of electronic sensors with a signal processing system is important for artificial intelligent and smart robotics. It demands mechanically robust, highly sensitive, and self-healable sensing materials which could generate discernible electric variations responding to external stimuli. Here, inspired by the supramolecular interactions of amino acid residues in proteins, we report a self-healable nanostructured Ti 3 C 2 MXenes/rubber-based supramolecular elastomer (NMSE) for intelligent sensing. MXene nanoflakes modified with serine through an esterification reaction assemble with an elastomer matrix, constructing delicate dynamic supramolecular hydrogen bonding interfaces. NMSE features desirable recovered toughness (12.34 MJ/m 3 ) and excellent self-healing performance (∼100%) at room temperature. The NMSE-based sensor with high gauge factor (107.43), low strain detection limit (0.1%), and fast responding time (50 ms) can precisely detect subtle human motions (including speech, facial expression, pulse, and heartbeat) and moisture variations even after cut/healing processes. Moreover, NMSE-based sensors integrated with a complete signal process system show great feasibility for speech-controlled motions, which demonstrates promising potential in future wearable electronics and soft intelligent robotics.