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

Abstract

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 pioneer graphene-enabled functional devices directly fabricated on textile fibres and for the very first time also attained by weaving graphene electronic fibres in a fabric. Capacitive touch-sensors and light-emitting devices were produced using a novel roll to-roll-compatible patterning technique, opening new avenues for woven textile electronics. Finally, the demonstration of fabric-enabled pixels for displays and position sensitivefunctions is a gateway for novel electronic-skin, wearable electronic and smart textile applications.