Wash fastness properties of conductive polymer-coated textiles for wearable electronics: a critical review

Conductive textiles are becoming increasingly popular due to the growing demand for wearable electronics and the concept of a connected world, the Internet of Things (IoT). With advancements in technology, the robustness and performance requirements of conductive textiles are setting new points to cope with these demands. The wash fastness properties of coated conductive textiles have been a prime concern in the last decade. Particularly in the case of energy storage devices such as supercapacitors and batteries, conductive polymer-coated textiles are most favorable in terms of integration, performance, and comfort. Wash-durable conducting polymer-coated textile-based supercapacitors are practical in moist and humid environments without compromising the general textile appearance. Polymer-coated textile-based supercapacitors must be durable and conductive for various smart wearable applications. In conjunction with their characteristic electrochemical performance, lightweight, flexibility, conformability, and safe human usage, conducting polymer-coated textile-based supercapacitors may be cut and sewn like normal fabric with washable attributes. Polymer-coated textile-based supercapacitors can be easily washed and dried without significant loss in conductivity under standard water and detergent washing procedures, which is necessary to determine their service life and performance for numerous wearable and skin-attachable applications. In the present work, conducting polymer-coated textile-based supercapacitor coatings are reviewed from the perspective of their wash fastness, and their effect on the electrochemical performance before and after water and detergent washing is also critically reviewed in light of standard washing procedures.

Graphical abstract