Cellulose-enhanced MoS2 bifunctional hydrogel for efficient methylene blue degradation, human body sensing, and recyclability

In this study, the dispersion behavior of MoS₂ in ionic liquids (ILs) with varying alkyl chain lengths was the primary focus of investigation, followed by the design of a novel PAM/SMA/CMC/PDA@MoS 2 hydrogel. By optimizing the concentrations of CMC and PDA@MoS 2 , a bifunctional hydrogel with both sensing and catalytic functions was successfully developed. Mechanical tests revealed that the PAM/SMA/CMC 0.06 /0.09PDA@MoS 2 hydrogel exhibited exceptional mechanical properties, with stress (505.24 kPa), strain (2333.34 %), elastic modulus (20.17 kPa), and toughness (3990.97 kJ/m 3 ). Furthermore, the hydrogel demonstrated superior sensing performance, characterized by high sensitivity (GF = 7.67) and a rapid response time (148 ms) across a wide strain range. These properties enable precise monitoring of physiological movements, coupled with long-term cyclic stability, positioning it as a versatile material for sensors and electrodes. Subsequently, in situ stabilized silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were used as a template for the catalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) using discarded human motion monitoring hydrogels. The degradation followed first-order kinetics (k = 0.54 min −1 at 25 °C) with 85 % efficiency sustained over 10 cycles, demonstrating significant stability and recyclability. This strategy integrates sensor recycling with Ag NPs based dye degradation, addressing environmental concerns and highlighting its potential in sustainable applications.