Research Topics

Our group centers on the development of MXene-based technologies to advance the fields of sustainable electronics and intelligent healthcare.

Introduction to MXenes

MXenes are a versatile family of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides1. Their general formula is expressed as M(n+1)XnTx, where "M" represents a transition metal, "X" is carbon or nitrogen, and Tx denotes various surface functional groups. Often described as "conductive clays," MXenes uniquely combine metallic-grade electrical conductivity with a hydrophilic surface chemistry, high mechanical robustness, and excellent biocompatibility. These characteristics make them ideal building blocks for flexible, printed, and wearable soft electronics.

Our research bridges material science and clinical application through the following pillars:

1. Green Electronics and Sustainable Wearables

To mitigate the environmental impact of electronic waste, we integrate conductive MXene nanosheets with biodegradable, renewable substrates

• Eco-Friendly Substrates: We utilize bamboo-derived cellulose nanofibers and traditional Xuan paper to create fully degradable, high-performance paper electrodes

• High-Fidelity Sensing: These electrodes maintain low and stable interfacial impedance, providing superior signal-to-noise ratios for monitoring bioelectrical signals such as surface electromyography (sEMG).

• Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI): Our MXene-paper sensors have successfully enabled real-time, low-latency exoskeleton control, assisting in physical rehabilitation and gait support.

2. AI-Driven Biosensing and Diagnostics

We develop advanced electrode architectures combined with machine learning to enhance the precision of medical monitoring.

• Bio-Inspired Design: Taking inspiration from nature, we have designed paraboloidal dome-shaped dry electrodes—modeled after octopus suction cups—to significantly increase skin contact area and improve signal acquisition.

• Postoperative Monitoring: These systems are deployed to monitor swallowing functions in patients recovering from neck cancer or suffering from dysphagia.

• Deep Learning Integration: By applying Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) to multi-channel sEMG data, our systems provide quantitative, AI-assisted assessments of patient recovery with high diagnostic accuracy.

3. Minimally Invasive Healthcare Platforms

Our lab pioneers the use of MXenes in specialized wearable devices for monitoring and therapy.

• Integrated Microneedles: We develop MXene-coated microneedle arrays for painless transdermal biosensing and closed-loop electrostimulation of neuromuscular disorders.

• Miura-ori Structures: Using 3D printing, we create air-permeable electrodes based on the Miura-ori structure, ensuring long-term wearability and effective heat dissipation during continuous health monitoring.

An ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (ISFET) is a field-effect transistor used for measuring ion concentrations in solution; when the ion concentration (such as H+, see pH scale) changes, the current through the transistor will change accordingly.