Flexible vanillin-polyacrylate/chitosan/mesoporous nanosilica-MXene composite film with self-healing ability towards dual-mode sensors

Manufacturing flexible sensors with prominent mechanical properties, multifunctional sensing abilities, and remarkable self-healing capabilities remains a difficult task. In this study, a novel vanillin-modified polyacrylate (VPA), which is capable of forming green dynamic covalent crosslinking with chitosan (CS), was synthesized. The synthesized VPA was combined with mesoporous silica-modified MXene (AMS-MXene) and covalently cross-linked simultaneously with CS, resulting in the formation of a flexible composite conductive film designed for dual-mode sensors. Due to the multidimensional structure formed by the mesoporous silica and MXene layers, the resulting composite film is not only suitable for strain sensing but also excels in gas response sensing. Most importantly, the composite films demonstrate a remarkable self-healing capability through reversible dynamic covalent bonds, specifically Schiff base bonds, coupled with multiple hydrogen bonding interactions with AMS-MXene. This robust self-repair functionality remains effective even at a low temperature of 30 °C. Additionally, the synergistic antibacterial effect exerted by vanillin and CS in the film can endow the composite sensor with excellent antimicrobial properties. This multifunctional composite film holds tremendous potential for applications in green flexible wearable sensors. Furthermore, it can show diverse applications in a wide variety of fields, driving advances in wearable technology and human health monitoring.