Pushing detectability and sensitivity for subtle force to new limits with shrinkable nanochannel structured aerogel

There is an urgent need for developing electromechanical sensor with both ultralow detection limits and ultrahigh sensitivity to promote the progress of intelligent technology. Here we propose a strategy for fabricating a soft polysiloxane crosslinked MXene aerogel with multilevel nanochannels inside its cellular walls for ultrasensitive pressure detection. The easily shrinkable nanochannels and optimized material synergism endow the piezoresistive aerogel with an ultralow Young's modulus (140 Pa), numerous variable conductive pathways, and mechanical robustness. This aerogel can detect extremely subtle pressure signals of 0.0063 Pa, deliver a high pressure sensitivity over 1900 kPa(-1), and exhibit extraordinarily sensing robustness. These sensing properties make the MXene aerogel feasible for monitoring ultra-weak force signals arising from a human's deep-lying internal jugular venous pulses in a non-invasive manner, detecting the dynamic impacts associated with the landing and take-off of a mosquito, and performing static pressure mapping of a hair. The fabrication of pressure sensors with both ultralow detection limits and ultrahigh sensitivity is still challenging. Here, the authors propose a design strategy for fabricating a soft polysiloxane crosslinked MXene aerogel with multilevel nanochannels inside its cellular walls for ultrasensitive pressure detection.