Hierarchically structured cellulose hydrogel with high stretchability, conductivity, and stability for flexible sensing applications

There has been increasing public interest in physical and mental health in recent years, rendering high-performance flexible sensors a burgeoning research focus. However, currently available hydrogel sensors fail to achieve high stretchability, conductivity, and stability. In this study, polyacrylamide (PAM) served as the matrix, and a dual-cellulose hierarchical network (MCNF) was constructed using microfibrillated cellulose and TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers of differing dimensions through a photocuring method. MXene was then loaded onto this network to form an effective conductive path. This approach endowed the hydrogel with a new energy dissipation mechanism, enhancing its mechanical properties: tensile strength (116.86–277.84 kPa), strain (1923–2029%), and toughness (1.34–2.12 MJ m −3 ). Additionally, the electrical conductivity of the PCMH hydrogel can reach 4.55 S m −1 and still maintain 64% of its conductivity at −70 °C, demonstrating excellent freeze resistance. Finally, when used as a flexible sensor, it can stably and sensitively monitor the movement signals of various parts and joints of the human body, accurately identify different sounds, and expand the application of cellulose in multifunctional sensors, soft electronic devices, and skin patches.