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[Display omitted] Applying a multi-modal sensing algorithm to a skin-like dual-channel self-powered sensor, which accurately detects real-time and continuous changes in pressure on the skin in response to variations in finger-applied force, while mitigating errors induced by temperature fluctuations. • A multimodal sensing algorithm compensating errors induced by temperature fluctuations. • Oxidation-stable metal-elastomer thermoelectric composite with a high pressure-sensitivity. • A self-powered sensor accurately detecting real-time continuous pressure changes. In the rapidly evolving field of electronic skins (e-skins), the development of self-powered sensors has emerged as a promising solution to providing continuous and reliable power sources for embedded sensors. This study introduces a novel approach that incorporates spike-shaped nickel (Ni) microparticles into a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) matrix, resulting in a thermoelectric material that functions as both an energy harvester and a pressure sensor, and a multimodal sensing algorithm designed to mitigate pressure sensing errors arising from temperature fluctuations in the thermoelectric self-powered pressure sensor. The Ni-SEBS composite, with a sensing mechanism that identifies changes in the Ni particle percolation state induced by compressive strain, exhibited a high sensitivity of 0.6234 kPa−1. Based on this composite, a dual-channel self-powered sensor was fabricated using the proposed algorithm and attached to the skin; the sensor successfully detected various forms of external pressure applied to the skin without errors due to temperature changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Integration of two distinctly sized 2D nanosheets forms a synergistic dual 3D network. • The synergistic effect of MXOH and hBN boosts electrical conductivity and network stability. • The modified hydrogel showed mechanical and electrical self-healing properties. • It showed a linear response (0–80 kPa) in pressure sensing with minimal hysteresis. • It is employed in wearables, e.g., touchscreens and thread-based motion sensors. Next-generation wearable electronic devices rely on electronic skin for its high flexibility, wearability, and ability to monitor vital health signs. Despite these advantages, developing flexible strain sensors for full-range human activity detection remains challenging. A solution involves thread-based motion sensors seamlessly integrated into clothing. This study employs a synergistic dual three-dimensional network using hydroxyl-functionalized MXene (MXOH) and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) to modify poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels, showcasing promising advancements in wearable technology. The hydrogel, incorporating MXOH with its larger lateral size and hBN with its smaller lateral size, forms a robust 3D network that reinforces the percolation network of MXOH nanosheets. This strategic combination ensures stability in the conductive pathway, minimizing electrical hysteresis during mechanical stress. The completion of the 3D network in PVA, facilitated by hBN, significantly enhances electrical conductivity due to the ion conduction properties of hBN. Moreover, the incorporation of non-conductive hBN nanosheets amplifies overall conductivity compared to MXOH alone, contributing to network stability. Rheological tests demonstrate the pronounced impact of increasing hBN weight percentage on the storage modulus, indicating the formation of a 3D network upon percolation. Additionally, MXOH and hBN exhibit self-healing characteristics through hydrogen bonding with the PVA chain, with hBN displaying higher mobility and faster self-healing compared to MXOH. These hydrogel-based flexible sensors exhibit mechanical stability and responsiveness across a wide pressure range (0 to 80 kPa) and find versatile applications in touch screens, thread-based motion sensors, and wearable electronics, promising transformative advances in handwriting-to-digital translation and smart textile technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]