MXene-Thermochromic Hybrid Films for Interference-Free Dual-Mode Sensing in Wearable Healthcare

Flexible pressure-temperature dual-functional sensors are crucial for healthcare monitoring and human-machine interfaces, yet their development is hindered by inherent signal interference. To address this challenge, this study presents a flexible, dual-functional sensor that achieves decoupled pressure and temperature detection through a novel heterogeneous sensing architecture. The device integrates a piezoresistive MXene/cellulose nanofiber/chitosan (MCC) composite film with a thermochromic PDMS layer, enabling simultaneous electrical and visual signal outputs. The MCC film exhibits high sensitivity (35.7 kPa⁻¹), rapid response (0.25 s), ultralow detection limit (6.5 Pa), and excellent durability (>4400 cycles). The thermochromic layer provides reversible, color-based temperature feedback, ensuring minimal signal interference. This decoupled sensing strategy enables accurate monitoring of physiological signals—including pulse waveforms, respiration, and fracture healing—with strong correlation to clinical indicators. The sensor's simplicity, scalability, and multifunctionality position it as a promising platform for next-generation wearable healthcare technologies.