Plasma-Induced Surface Modification of MXene-Enhanced Multifunctional Composites: Advancing Biomedical Sensors, Soft Robotics, and Water Purification Technologies*

This work explores in-situ non-thermal plasma treatment for surface modification of MXene-incorporated multifunctional composites, advancing biomedical sensing, soft robotics, and water purification. MXene is integrated with various matrices including starch-based bio-composites and polymer-ceramic hybrids. Quasi-static corona discharge plasma conditions tailor surface properties, enhancing flexibility, responsiveness, and bonding characteristics crucial for target applications. Plasma-modified MXene-composites are characterized using electron microscopy, impedance spectroscopy, and piezoelectric measurements. In biomedical sensing, Si-TiO2-P3HT-MXene photodetectors show enhanced sensitivity in near-infrared biomarker detection. For water purification, MXene-graphene hybrid matrices demonstrate improved contaminant removal and ionic separation. In soft robotics, plasma treatment of starch-based MXene composites creates adaptive networks with improved flexibility and responsiveness. This multidisciplinary approach, combining plasma modification with MXene-enhanced composites, paves the way for next-generation technologies in wearable devices, minimally invasive medical applications, soft robotics, and advanced water treatment systems.