Graphene electronic fibres with touch-sensing and light-emitting functionalities for smart textiles

The true integration of electronics into textiles requires the fabrication of devices directly on the fibre itself using high-performance materials that allow seamless incorporation into fabrics. Woven electronics and opto-electronics, attained by intertwined fibres with complementary functions are the emerging and most ambitious technological and scientific frontier. Here we demonstrate graphene-enabled functional devices directly fabricated on textile fibres and attained by weaving graphene electronic fibres in a fabric. Capacitive touch-sensors and light-emitting devices were produced using a roll-to-roll-compatible patterning technique, opening new avenues for woven textile electronics. Finally, the demonstration of fabric-enabled pixels for displays and position sensitive functions is a gateway for novel electronic skin, wearable electronic and smart textile applications.Wearable electronics: graphene textiles get really smartComplex functionalities have been brought on to the graphene coated textile fibres in a roll-to-roll-compatible fashion for the first time. A collaborative team led by Monica F. Craciun from University of Exeter, UK employs a ‘roll-to-roll’ like method to fabricate graphene-based transparent and flexible functional devices on textile fibres. The scientists develop a universal approach to pattern the graphene in various forms on the tape-shaped polypropylene fibres via a sacrificial photoresist layer. This creates a versatile platform for efficient device prototyping: functional devices such as capacitive touch-sensors and light-emitting device arrays can then be easily integrated. Their methods show high compatibility with industrial scale roll-to-roll and printing techniques, opening the gateway to smart multi-functional textile electronics in the future.