One-Pot Hydrophobization: Facile Strategy for Lamellar Nanocellulose/SCNT Aerogels with High Sensitivity and Elasticity

Traditional cellulose-based sensors often suffer from limitations such as inadequate compression resilience and environmental instability, particularly under humid conditions. To address these issues, a hydrophobic and elastic nanocellulose/sulfonated carbon nanotube (SCNT) aerogel with a layered structure was fabricated via a one-pot synthesis. The incorporation of the SCNT facilitates the formation of a conductive network within the aerogel. Consequently, when the aerogel undergoes deformation under applied pressure, alterations in the conductive pathway induce a corresponding and measurable change in the electrical resistance. In comparison to unmodified nanocellulose aerogels, the developed aerogels exhibit significantly enhanced surface and internal hydrophobicity (water contact angle all over 130°), leading to improved structural integrity even in humid environments. Furthermore, the hydrophobic TOCN aerogel with 1 wt % SCNT content demonstrates a high compressive strength retention rate of 92% at 50% deformation, a sensitivity of 1.15 kPa–1, a rapid response time of 100 ms, and exceptional cycling stability exceeding 10,000 cycles. Due to its outstanding elasticity and hydrophobicity, the modified aerogel achieves significantly greater stability, broadening its applicability in sensors.