Comparative Performance of Graphene and MXene in Flexible Pressure Sensors

Abstract

Two-dimensional nano-conductors have led to the rapid development of flexible pressure sensors; however, studies need to establish direct application-based evaluations between MXene and graphene platforms. Specifically, this review synthesizes recent progress across sensing mechanisms (piezoresistive, capacitive, piezoelectric, triboelectric), device architectures (microstructured films, porous foams/aerogels, textiles, and hybrid stacks), and performance metrics relevant to wearables and soft robotics. In particular, the operating regime determines the material selection process because graphene crack-network films demonstrate exceptional sensitivity to sub-kPa pressures for micro-physiological pressure measurement but MXene composites and textiles maintain their linear behavior and structural stability during mid-to high-pressure applications with excellent durability. Furthermore, practical limits differ: MXene requires encapsulation to mitigate oxidation and longterm drift in humid or sweat-rich environments, while graphene's crack-mediated transduction can introduce hysteresis and baseline evolution over extended cycling. Finally, the last part introduces a decision framework which links application restrictions to mechanism-material pairings while demanding standardized reporting methods that must include sensitivity ranges and load protocols and hysteresis and durability statistics to improve comparison and translation capabilities. Therefore, these guidelines enable the rational selection and engineering of MXene/graphene sensors for health monitoring and human-machine interfaces and soft robotic touch applications.