Layered Structured MXene/PVA Conductive Hydrogels with Excellent Mechanical Properties for Flexible Strain and Temperature Sensing

Abstract

Abstract Conductive hydrogels have broad application in flexible electronics, soft robotics, and human–machine interaction. However, the limited mechanical properties and complex fabrication processes hinder further development. This study proposes a biomimetic hierarchical fabrication strategy to create MXene (2D transition metal carbides)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite conductive hydrogels with a layered microstructure (LMP) via evaporation‐induced self‐assembly. The joint action of multiple energy dissipation mechanisms significantly enhances the mechanical properties of the hydrogel, achieving a tensile strength of 6.11 MPa, toughness of 20.57 MJ m − 3 , and elongation at break of 730.73%. Meanwhile, the high conductivity of Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene endows the hydrogel with excellent sensing capabilities, including strain sensitivity (GF = 1.96), fast response time (≈100 ms), and temperature sensitivity (TCR = −3.468%/°C). This study provides a simple and efficient strategy for developing strong, tough, and multifunctional conductive hydrogels.