Ti3C2Tx MXene and cellulose-based aerogel phase change composite decorated laminated fabric with excellent electro/solar-thermal conversion and high latent heat

Abstract

Wearable heaters have attracted growing attention for maintaining a relatively constant temperature of the human body in cold environments with near zero energy consumption. Herein, we developed a multifunctional laminated fabric with fascinating electro/solar-thermal conversion, thermal energy storage and thermal insulation properties. With cotton fabric as the substrate, MXene/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) conductive network was decorated on the upper layer, and carbon nanotube (CNT)/cellulose nanofiber (CNF)/paraffin (PA) aerogel phase change composites were assembled on the bottom layer. Attributed to the strong conductivity and light absorption of MXene and the light/thermal response of CNT and PA components, this wearable laminated fabric broke the limitation of intermittent solar photothermal heating, and integrated multiple heating modes to precisely heat the human body. Meanwhile, the low thermal conductivity of aerogel retarded heat loss. The laminated fabric can help people better adapt to a variety of complex and changeable environments such as cold winter, rainy days and nights. This study provides a promising and energy-efficient avenue for the development of all-day personal thermal management fabrics.