A superhydrophobic e-fabric based on polydopamine template-assisted MXene/MWNTs with strain sensing, EMI shielding and electrothermal performance for health management

Abstract

The development of superhydrophobic electronic fabric with multifunctionality, encompassing strain sensing, EMI (Electromagnetic interference) shielding, and electrical heating performances, is extremely challenging. These integrated functions enable the superhydrophobic electronic fabric to work effectively in diverse environments. A superhydrophobic electronic fabric is successfully developed by constructing synergetic conductive materials (MXene and MWNTs (Multi-walled carbon nanotubes)) on PDA (Polydopamine) layer adhered to fibers, followed by attaching SiO2 (Silicon dioxide) and PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) on conductive layer. MXene/MWNTs materials endow electronic fabric with a broad working range (up to100% strain), favorable GF (Gauge factor: 123.3), ultralow detection limit (0.2% strain), rapid response ability (60 ms), and satisfactory sensing stability over 5000 cycles. The construction of rough surface constructed by SiO2 and low surface energy provided by PDMS renders electronic fabric outstanding superhydrophobicity (WCA;Water contact angle:158°), enabling it to operate in complex environments (acid, base, and salt solutions), and detect subtle vibrations underwater. Besides, the superhydrophobic electronic fabric exhibits great EMI shielding effectiveness of 47 dB (8.2–12.4 GHz) and prominent electrothermal performance including highly electrothermal generation capability (95 °C at 8.0 V), rapid responsiveness for applied voltages, and satisfactory electrothermal stability. These commendable characteristics demonstrate that the superhydrophobic electronic fabric is promising for potential applications in EMI shielding, thermal management, and underwater movement mornitoring.