journal article·2026-05Open access

Interfacial Molecular Ordering of PANI/MWCNT for Hazard and Vital Biophysical Signal Monitoring

Mengran Chen, Heng Liu, Xuefei Zhang, Shun Wan, Zhe Tang, Dongmei Xie, Zhenguo Liu, Hongqing Zhou, Peng‐an Zong

Advanced Functional Materials· Volume 36· Issue 36

Abstract

ABSTRACT Next‐generation rescue technologies demand flexible, self‐powered sensors capable of simultaneously monitoring multiple hazards and vital signs in demanding field conditions. This study pioneers interfacial molecular ordering in polyaniline/multi‐walled carbon nanotube (PANI/MWCNT) composites via pulsed electrochemical polymerization, overcoming the limited interfacial control and random polymer dispersion of conventional PANI/CNT systems. By templating PANI growth on MWCNT bundles, we engineer a hierarchical “crystalline–quasi‐crystalline–amorphous” structure, where a ∼2 nm quasi‐crystalline PANI interlayer—stabilized by π–π stacking and van der Waals forces—enables directional carrier transport (carrier mobility increased by 133%, power factor sextupled). This atomic‐level ordering unlocks unprecedented multi‐mode sensing capabilities: (1) hazard monitoring with Nernstian pH response (59.35 mV pH −1 ) and ultrafast NH 3 detection (0.81 s @ 5 ppm), based on reversible doping and depletion‐layer modulation; (2) biophysical tracking via Seebeck‐driven temperature/respiration sensing and pressure‐responsive joint/facial/vocal monitoring. Integrated into wearable firefighting gear, the composite simultaneously maps chemical threats, ambient temperature, and vital signs for triggering an alert. This interfacial engineering strategy redefines multifunctional sensing platforms for extreme‐environment rescue operations.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Conducting polymers and applications · Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials · Covalent Organic Framework Applications

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

College of Materials Science and Engineering Nanjing Tech University Nanjing China

Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI‐AIMR) Tohoku University Senda Japan

State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing School of Materials Science and Engineering Tsinghua University Beijing China

Center for High Pressure Science and Technology Advanced Research Shanghai China

Key laboratory of Flexible Electronics of Zhejiang Province Ningbo Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University Ningbo China

Funding

Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions · Japan Society for the Promotion of Science · NSAF Joint Fund

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