Graphene-functionalized textile composites for wearable Joule heating applications

Abstract

Thermal comfort is essential for maintaining physiological well-being, with textile materials traditionally serving as the primary medium for regulating heat exchange between the body and its environment. However, conventional textiles often fall short of maintaining optimal thermal balance. So, there is an increasing demand for advanced thermoregulation systems that can effectively reduce heat loss and enhance warmth, ensuring consistent comfort. Recent research has highlighted the promise of advanced functional materials, especially graphene and its composites, for modifying textiles to improve thermal properties. This article comprehensively reviews recent advancements in graphene-functionalized textile composites, focusing on their applications in wearable Joule heaters designed for personalized thermal comfort or thermal therapy. Various graphene-functionalized textile composites are reviewed from the perspectives of material properties, processing strategies and device fabrication methods. Key challenges and future opportunities are summarized for graphene-functionalized textile-based Joule heaters as innovative solutions in wearable thermal regulation.