Fluorinated carbon nanodot-tube/MXene/microfiber electronic textile with high water-interference-resistance for stable amphibious human motion monitoring

Abstract

Wearable sensors face significant challenges in resisting water interference, especially during activities such as rainy-day monitoring, underwater rescue, and ocean exploration, due to their vulnerability in moist environments. Exposure to water, particularly acidic, alkaline, or saline corrosive liquids, can compromise the conductive networks, leading to a loss of sensing efficiency. Herein, we developed a fluorinated carbon nanodot-tube/MXene/microfiber electronic textile (FCNET), which is composed of a “point-line-plane” interlocking structure formed by a 0D/1D layer wrapping around 2D flakes. Inspired by snails and tree frogs, the seamless integration of the “point-line-plane” structure with textile fibers, achieved by leveraging the synergistic effects of adhesion mechanisms and mechanical interlocking, remarkably retains the material's superhydrophobicity even after harsh exposures including strong acid-alkali soaking, 12 h immersion in 3.5 wt.% saline, and mechanical damage. Importantly, the FCNET sensor maintains highly stable monitoring of the full-range human behaviors in wet environments and underwater, and even in simulated seawater. As examples, this work demonstrates its applications in information transmitting, diving communication, and underwater rescue. It is believed that the FCNET sensor further expands its applicability in advanced wearable technology for amphibious environments.