Preparation and performance study of high-sensitivity flexible pressure sensors based on MXene/PVDF@ZIF-8 composite membranes

The flexibility, wide response range, and ultra-high sensitivity of flexible sensors make them suitable forwearable technology, automated manufacturing, and robotics. The development of raw materials for flexible sensors and the design of their source layer structures can address a range of issues. In this article, we aim to develop flexible sensors for wearable technology by preparing MXene/PVDF@ZIF-8 multilayer nanofiber membranes through electrospinning technology. By incorporating ZIF-8 particles into PVDF fibers through in situ electrospinning technology, flexible sensors with a rough structure were obtained. We similarly employed vacuum filtration technology to introduce MXene nanosheets into PVDF@ZIF-8 nanofibers, further constructing a conductive network with a multidimensional structure in the vertical direction of the film. The performance of the prepared MXene/PVDF@ZIF-8 composite fiber membrane pressure sensor was tested, revealing its wide working range (0–125 kPa), high sensitivity (25.8–77.9 kPa -1 ), load/unload Time (20 ms/30 ms), and strong mechanical stability. Various human movements and lying postures were simulated, confirming that the sensor can effectively provide feedback on external pressure applied to the skin. This also demonstrates the broad application prospects of the flexible sensor in the field of flexible wearables.