Thermoplastic Polyurethane/MXene Nanosheet/SiO2 Nanoparticle Composites for Superhydrophobic Surfaces and Wearable Strain Sensors

The poor inherent water resistance and electrical performance of paper-based electrodes restrict their applications in electronic products. Organic–inorganic nanocomposites, which can integrate the merits of various materials, are the best way to compensate for these shortcomings. In this study, a facile strategy was developed to fabricate a superhydrophobic tissue/MXene/TPU/SiO2 paper-based composite for multidimensional bionic surface and wearable strain sensor applications. Inspired by taro leaves, superhydrophobic surfaces consisting of TPU/SiO2 micronanospheres were prepared by electrospinning. High strain-sensing performance is achieved by the microcrack extension mechanism of the tissue/MXene electrode. The integrity of the tissue/MXene/TPU/SiO2 paper-based composites was enhanced by systematically optimizing the multilayered assembly processes and technologies. Our composite paper demonstrated high mechanical strength and highly effective antibacterial and self-cleaning properties (water contact angle, WCA = 157°), which could not only inhibit the adhesion of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus but also repel solid contaminants upon washing with water. The paper-based wearable strain sensor displayed a very high sensitivity (gauge factor, GF = 580) over a broad strain range (bending angle from 0 to 160°) and a fast response time (53 ms). Our e-skin sensor array can effectively capture the wrist motions of table tennis players. Moreover, this sensor also showed a very high breathability (56.5 g·m–2·h–1) for comfort of wear. Notably, our paper-based sensors can be disposed of by burning, which can mitigate potential electronic waste pollution. Our strategy for fabricating paper-based sensors with superhydrophobicity, breathability, and antimicrobial properties could potentially provide promising prospects for future flexible electronics.