Soft, Breathable, and Recyclable MXene Fabrics for Wearable Electrophysiological Recordings

Abstract

The widespread use of single-use bioelectronic devices, particularly disposable electrodes for electrophysiological monitoring, raises environmental concerns due to increased medical waste and non-biodegradable materials. Thus, the need for wearable electrode systems that provide high signal performance while aligning with sustainability principles is increased.6–8 This study presents a recyclable wearable electrode patch incorporating a gelatin matrix embedded in Ti3C2Tx MXene non-woven fibers manufactured via wet spinning. This design enables repeated reprocessing at low temperatures, around 40°C, due to the thermoreversible solution-gel properties of gelatin, allowing for multiple cycles of reuse without performance degradation. The MXene/gelatin non-woven structure maintains high conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and skin compatibility while exhibiting excellent breathability. The fine fiber structure and controlled deposition provide adjustable density and enhanced out-of-plane electrical conductivity depending on fiber diameter. As a result, the manufactured non-woven fabric electrode demonstrates low impedance, high signal-to-noise ratio, and reliable acquisition of bio-signals. Electrocardiogram and electromyogram measurements showed stable performance even after recycling, proving the potential of conventional electrodes as an alternative. This study presents an integrated approach that achieves both functional performance and environmental sustainability in eco-friendly bioelectronics.