Ti3C2Tx Aerogel-Based Wearable Humidity Sensors with Low Hysteresis and High Linearity for Expiratory Comfort Management

ACS Sens. 2024 Nov 26. doi: 10.1021/acssensors.4c02338. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Wearable and flexible humidity sensors hold great promise for expiratory comfort management. However, the high hysteresis and poor detection linearity restrict the immediate and accurate detection of humidity. Herein, we have prepared Ti3C2Tx MXene/chitosan/polyvinylidene difluoride aerogels with a controllable hydrophobic/hydrophilic surface to regulate the catch/escape behavior of H2O molecules. The MXene aerogel-based humidity sensor demonstrates low hysteresis (3.2% relative humidity) and a high linear relationship (R2 = 0.99). Integrated with a control circuit, an expiratory humidity monitoring system is constructed for nasal comfort management as a humidity switch. The exhaled breath humidity can be automatically regulated during dry exhalation conditions. This wearable humidity sensor enables the real-time monitoring and intelligent control of nasal exhaled humidity. This work represents a new avenue for improving breathing comfort and preventing respiratory diseases.

Keywords: Ti3C2Tx MXene composite aerogel; humidity sensor; low hysteresis; nasal comfort management; wearable sensor.