Meter-scale heterostructure printing for high-toughness fiber electrodes in intelligent digital apparel

Abstract

Intelligent digital apparel, which integrates electronic functionalities into clothing, represents the future of healthcare and ubiquitous control in wearable devices. Realizing such apparel necessitates developing meter-scale conductive fibers with high toughness, conductivity, stable conductance under deformation, and mechanical durability. In this study, we present a heterostructure printing method capable of producing meter-scale (~50 m) biphasic conductive fibers that meet these criteria. Our approach involves encapsulating deformable liquid metal particles (LMPs) within a functionalized thermoplastic polyurethane matrix. This encapsulation induces in situ assembly of LMPs during fiber formation, creating a heterostructure that seamlessly integrates the matrix’s durability with the LMPs’ superior electrical performance. Unlike rigid conductive materials, deformable LMPs offer stretchability and toughness with a low gauge factor. Through precise twisting using an engineered annealing machine, multiple fiber strands are transformed into robust, electrically stable meter-scale electrodes. This advancement enhances their practicality in various intelligent digital apparel applications, such as stretchable displays, wearable healthcare systems, and digital controls.