Researchers at National Taiwan University have developed biodegradable MXene–bamboo paper electrodes that combine flexibility, waterproof stability, and tunable conductivity. Encapsulated in a breathable Ecoflex layer, these scalable green electrodes enable wearable sensing, electromyography, and exoskeleton control, offering a sustainable pathway for next-generation assistive technologies.
The biodegradable paper electrodes combine sustainability with high performance, offering a solution to the growing challenge of electronic waste. The study is published in Advanced Science.
These electrodes, made by embedding MXene nanosheets into bamboo-derived cellulose nanofibers, are lightweight, flexible, and inexpensive to produce at scale. A breathable Ecoflex coating provides waterproof protection while preserving durability under repeated use.
The strong bonding between MXene and cellulose ensures structural stability and efficient electron transport, enabling the electrodes to deliver sensitive responses to strain and motion.
Tests showed they can be applied in wearable sensors, muscle activity monitoring, and exoskeleton control, all with excellent stability and low noise.
"This innovation paves the way for green, scalable electronics designed for next-generation wearable and assistive technologies," said Prof. Tzu-En Lin, the study's corresponding author.
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