Ultra-stretchable and multifunctional wearable electronics for superior electromagnetic interference shielding, electrical therapy and biomotion monitoring

Abstract

Multifunctional and flexible intelligent devices are urgently needed to solve increasingly serious environmental effects on the human body. However, rendering devices with multifunctionality without sacrificing their innate flexibility and properties remains a huge challenge. Herein, a facile and efficient strategy involving Ag precursor reduction followed by a spraying technique was employed to fabricate a multifunctional and ultra-stretchable fibrous film via the incorporation of an electrospun thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) fibrous film, biocompatible polydopamine (PDA), highly conductive Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) and Ti₃C₂T_x MXene nanosheets. Specifically, PDA protected AgNPs from oxidation and enhanced the bond between AgNPs and TPU, and MXene was used to promote the electromagnetic interference shielding (EMI) and strain sensing performance. The optimized TPU/PDA/AgNP/MXene fibrous film (TAMF) exhibited an ultra-high electrical conductivity of 95 238 S m⁻¹, outstanding EMI shielding efficiency (EMI SE) of 108.8 dB and high specific shielding effectiveness up to 12 342.8 dB cm² g⁻¹ with a thickness of 150 μm in the X-band. The flexible fibrous mat also possessed excellent Joule heating capability (up to 80 °C at a voltage of 1 V), excellent mechanosensation ability with a low detection limit of 0.1% strain, a high gauge factor of 7853, wide sensing range of 200% strain, and satisfactory flexibility, porosity and breathability, enabling its fascinating multifunctional application in wearable electromagnetic wave protection, electrical therapy and human–machine interaction.