MXene-based thermoelectric fabric integrated with temperature and strain sensing for health monitoring

Abstract

Wearable thermoelectric devices hold significant promise in the realm of self-powered wearable electronics, offering applications in energy harvesting, movement tracking, and health monitoring. Nevertheless, developing thermoelectric devices with exceptional flexibility, enduring thermoelectric stability, multifunctional sensing, and comfortable wear remains a challenge. In this work, a stretchable MXene-based thermoelectric fabric is designed to accurately discern temperature and strain stimuli. This is achieved by constructing an adhesive polydopamine (PDA) layer on the nylon fabric surface, which facilitates the subsequent MXene attachment through hydrogen bonding. This fusion results in MXene-based thermoelectric fabric that excels in both temperature sensing and strain sensing. The resultant MXene-based thermoelectric fabric exhibits outstanding temperature detection capability and cyclic stability, while also delivering excellent sensitivity, rapid responsiveness (60 ms), and remarkable durability in strain sensing (3200 cycles). Moreover, when affixed to a mask, this MXene-based thermoelectric fabric utilizes the temperature difference between the body and the environment to harness body heat, converting it into electrical energy and accurately discerning the body's respiratory rate. In addition, the MXene-based thermoelectric fabric can monitor the state of the body's joint through its own deformation. Furthermore, it possesses the capability to convert solar energy into heat. These findings indicate that MXene-based thermoelectric fabric holds great promise for applications in power generation, motion tracking, and health monitoring.