Mapping the Progress in Flexible Electrodes for Wearable Electronic Textiles: Materials, Durability, and Applications

Abstract

AbstractWith the advancement of nanotechnology and electroactive materials, conventional textiles have transformed into a versatile wearable electronic platform that will inevitably escalate the development of next‐generation flexible electronics. Integration of nanoscale conductive particles such as polymers, metals, or nanocarbons into different structural textile design has simplified the way of personal interactive communications and portable sensing by distributing superior stretchability and functionality in a smart textile device. However, for the real‐life application, it is crucial to recognize the functional reliability of wearable textile electronics. This review comprehensively summarizes the recent progress in electronic textiles (e‐textiles) using different electroactive materials and textile architectures for numerous wearable applications. The first section highlights different textile architectures used in e‐textiles and their various properties. Various electroactive polymers from carbon, metal, and conductive polymers, including their electromechanical properties and wash durability, are then discussed. Subsequently, progress in textile‐based energy harvesting and storage, personal thermal management, flexible sensing, electrocardiography (ECG), electromagnetic interference shielding are presented. Finally, the remaining challenges regarding the current materials and processing strategies are pointed out, and practical strategies to fully realize e‐textile systems are suggested.