Flexible Strain Sensor Based on AgNWs/MXene/SEBS with High Sensitivity and Wide Strain Range

Flexible strain sensors that combine high sensitivity and wide range are important for developing wearable electronics. In this paper, AgNWs/MXene/SEBS flexible strain sensor with high sensitivity and wide strain range was prepared using a thermoplastic elastomer (styrene-ethylene-butene-styrene) SEBS as the polymer matrix and AgNWs and MXene as the composite conductive fillers. The sensitivity of the AgNWs/MXene/SEBS sensor is significantly higher than that of the AgNWs/SEBS and MXene/SEBS sensors based on a single conductive filler. At 100% strain, the AgNWs/MXene/SEBS sensor has a sensitivity of 176.25. The sensor detects small strains of 0.5-5% as well as large strains of 5–50% with high linearity. The sensors remained stable after 200 cycles. The AgNWs/MXene/SEBS tensile sensors were subjected to array testing and finger bending recognition, and the sensors have promising applications in human motion monitoring. Graphical Abstract