Development of Ti₃C₂T<i>_x</i>/NiSe₂ Nanohybrid‐Based Large‐Area Pressure Sensors as a Smart Bed for Unobtrusive Sleep Monitoring

Abstract

Abstract Sleep is a very important biological activity for humans as insufficient sleep can cause various issues such as depression, memory and attention problems, etc. Even though there are sleep tracking systems, the assessment methods are tiresome, expensive, and time‐consuming. In this context, smart textiles are provoking a growing interest owing to their capability to use them in sleep monitoring and various other applications. Further, in search of materials for E‐textiles, MXene‐based hybrids have emerged as an excellent choice for physical sensors. Herein, Ti 3 C 2 T x /NiSe 2 hybrid‐based pressure sensor on the cotton cloth is fabricated to be used as a smart bed for sleep monitoring. The fabricated Ti 3 C 2 T x /NiSe 2 hybrid‐based pressure sensor exhibits an enhanced value of sensitivity, i.e., ≈2.41 kPa −1 in comparison to the pristine Ti 3 C 2 T x ‐based sensor (≈1.58 kPa −1 ). The physical pressure sensing mechanism is explained using the concept of Schottky barrier height reduction and decrease in contact resistance between the as‐formed metal–semiconductor junction along with the shrinking of interlayer spacing of the layered NiSe 2 and Ti 3 C 2 T x . Finally, the fabricated sensor is used for real‐time sleep monitoring, which monitors the movement of an individual and also the breath rate, which possesses potential application in personal health‐care diagnosis.