Scientists have pioneered a new technique to embed transparent, flexible graphene electrodes into clothing fibres.
The discovery could revolutionise the creation of wearable electronic devices, such as clothing containing computers, phones and MP3 players, which are lightweight, durable and easily transportable, the scientists said.
“This is a pivotal point in the future of wearable electronic devices. This is the first example of a textile electrode being truly embedded in a yarn,” study co-author professor, Monica Craciun from the University of Exeter said.
“The possibilities for its use are endless, including textile GPS systems, to biomedical monitoring, personal security or even communication tools for those who are sensory-impaired,” she said.
At just one atom thick, graphene is the thinnest substance capable of conducting electricity. It is very flexible and is one of the strongest known materials.
The race has been on for scientists and engineers to adapt graphene for use in wearable electronic devices in recent years.
The international team of scientists involved in this study established a technique to transfer graphene from copper foils to a polypropylene fibre already commonly used in the textile industry.
The findings were described in the journal ‘Scientific Reports’.
