Biomass-derived multifunctional conductive fabrics with aluminum ion coordination: Integrating hydrophobic triboelectric and electrothermal conversion properties

Abstract

The accelerated depletion of fossil resources and the rising demand for environmental protection have posed significant challenges to conventional e-smart textiles, driving the need for more sustainable alternatives. This has created an urgent demand for environmentally friendly, lightweight, and renewable smart textiles. This study developed biomass-derived flexible conductive fabrics (BWPU/CNTs/Al/NF) with a microporous structure using impregnation and coating techniques guided by the wet phase transition film-forming principle. The primary materials employed in this study were soy-based waterborne polyurethane (BWPU), carboxylated carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and collagen fiber nonwovens(NF). The carboxyl groups (COOH) in BWPU and CNTs functioned as binding sites, enhancing the binding force between BWPU and CNTs. The addition of aluminum ion (Al³⁺) cross-linking served to reinforce the conductive network structure, enhancing conductivity and stability. The resulting BWPU/CNTs/Al/NF fabrics retain their original softness, air permeability, and water vapor permeability while exhibiting excellent electrical conductivity, hydrophobicity, chemical stability, and mechanical durability. Additionally, they demonstrate remarkable triboelectric properties, achieving an output voltage of up to 512.6 V under a 10 kPa force during a continuous 2.5 Hz “contact-detachment” cycle. Moreover, they demonstrate exceptional Joule heating performance, reaching a saturation temperature of 165.6 °C within 2 min at a drive of 12 V. Furthermore, the fabrics demonstrate excellent capabilities for removing water and ice. These exceptional properties make the fabrics promising candidates for applications in smart wearables, artificial intelligence, and outdoor electronic and electrical devices.