2D Material-Based Wearable Energy Harvesting Textiles: A Review

Abstract

Wearable electronic textiles (e-textiles) have emerged as a transformative technology revolutionizing healthcare monitoring and communication by seamlessly integrating with the human body. However, their practical application has been limited by the lack of compatible and sustainable power sources. Various energy sources, including solar, thermal, mechanical, and wind, have been explored for harvesting, leading to diverse energy harvesting technologies, such as photovoltaic, thermoelectric, piezoelectric, and triboelectric systems. Notably, 2D materials have gained significant attention as attractive candidates for energy harvesting and storage in e-textiles due to their unique properties, such as high surface-to-volume ratio, mechanical strength, and electrical conductivity. Textile-based energy harvesters employing 2D materials offer promising solutions for powering next-generation smart and wearable devices integrated into clothing. This comprehensive review explores the utilization of 2D materials in textile-based energy harvesters, covering their preparation, fabrication, and characterization strategies. Recent advancements are highlighted, focusing on the integration of 2D materials and their practical implementations, shedding light on the performance and effectiveness of 2D-material-based energy harvesters in e-textiles, and highlighting their potential as a sustainable alternative to conventional power supplies in wearable technologies.