MXene Nanosheets Electrodes and Graphene Oxide Enable Humidity Sensor to Detect Moisture with High Sensitivity听听
Explore the future of wearable tech with 2D MXene nanosheets鈥攍isten now!
Clothes equipped with sensors and next-generation wearables could soon transform our wardrobes and gadgets into health-tracking devices. As this technology evolves, researchers at Khalifa University have developed all 2D materials-based humidity sensor that adapts to our movements鈥攚orking perfectly even when bent or stretched.听听
Using innovative 2D materials like Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets and Graphene Oxide, the humidity sensing device improves wearable tech in health monitors and creates a more responsive environment in smart homes. The research was published in a titled 鈥�2D Ti3C2Tx-MXene nanosheets and graphene oxide based highly sensitive humidity sensor for wearable and flexible electronics鈥� in the Chemical Engineering Journal, a Top 1% journal Scopus 2023.听听
The Khalifa University research team includes Dr. Anas Alazzam, Associate Professor, Dr. Shoaib Anwer, Research Scientist Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Postdoctoral Fellows Dr. Waqas Waheed, and Dr. Muhammad Umair Khan, System on Chip Lab.听
“The practical applications of innovative 2D materials are essential for addressing energy and environmental sustainability concerns. The mechanical durability of 2D MXenes allows sensors to withstand stress, making them ideal for flexible and wearable sensing devices.”
鈥� Dr. Shoaib Anwer, Research Scientist, Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering, KU
With Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets as flexible and highly conductive electrodes and Graphene Oxide as the sensing layer, the humidity sensing device offers practical solutions for everyday use replacing traditional humidity sensors relying on the use of metallic electrodes with MXenes鈥攖hin layers of transition metal carbides鈥攐ffering better conductivity and mechanical durability.听听
The sensor operates on the principle that certain materials change their electrical properties when exposed to humidity. In this case, the MXene nanosheets serve as electrodes while the graphene oxide acts as the sensing layer. When humidity levels change, the sensor can detect these variations, responding to moisture levels from as low as 6% to as high as 97% at frequencies of 1 kHz and 10 kHz, maintaining stable performance over 24 hours.听
The potential uses for this technology are vast. Beyond just measuring humidity, the 2D materials-based humidity sensor can detect nearby objects or people without physical contact, making it useful for smart devices. Another standout feature is the sensor鈥檚 quick response time, taking only about 0.8 seconds to register changes in humidity 鈥� a crucial requirement for real-time monitoring of breathing patterns, creating responsive environments in smart homes, or advancing the agriculture sector.听
Dr. Shoaib Anwer said: 鈥淭he practical applications of these nanomaterials are essential for addressing energy and environmental sustainability concerns as there is an urgent need to replace conventional, complex synthesis methods with low-cost and straightforward processes. The mechanical durability of 2D MXenes allows sensors to withstand stress, making them ideal for flexible and wearable sensing devices. This research not only showcases the potential of 2D MXenes as conductive and flexible electrodes but further explores the application of 2D materials in wearable electronics.鈥澨�
Alisha Roy
Science Writer
24 Sep 2024
