MWCNT-reinforced PVA/CS conductive hydrogel for high‐sensitivity motion sensing

Conductive hydrogels represent a pivotal advancement for next-generation wearable electronics. However, simultaneously optimizing mechanical robustness, interfacial adhesion, and electromechanical sensitivity remains a significant challenge. In this study, a multifunctional poly(vinyl alcohol)/chitosan/multi-walled carbon nanotube (PCM) composite hydrogel was developed via a facile freeze-thaw strategy. The resulting PCM hydrogel exhibits reliable adhesive strength (12.1 kPa on porcine skin) with over 70% retention after 10 cyclic attachment-detachment tests. Notably, the hydrogel possesses a high electrical conductivity of 13.2 mS/cm, enabling superior sensing performance with a Gauge Factor (GF) of 5.72 under large strains and excellent durability over 500 cycles. Real-time monitoring of human joint motions (e.g., wrist, finger, and elbow) confirms its rapid response and high signal fidelity. These results underscore the potential of PCM hydrogels as a robust and high-performance interface for sophisticated human-machine interaction and sports health monitoring.