Recent Progress on 2D-Material-Based Smart Textiles: Materials, Methods, and Multifunctionality

Abstract

Smart textiles integrated with 2D materials are revolutionizing the field of wearable technologies by providing advanced functionalities that extend far beyond those of traditional fabrics. This review comprehensively explores cutting-edge 2D materials, such as graphene derivatives, MXenes, and transition-metal dichalcogenides, and highlights their unique electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. The sophisticated methods by which these materials are embedded into textiles, including coating, deposition, 3D printing, spinning, and other advanced approaches, are thoroughly discussed. This is followed by an overview of the functionalities and applications of smart textiles, including energy harvesting, environmental and human health monitoring, energy storage, electromagnetic-interference shielding, and thermal management, which each contribute to the multifaceted capabilities of modern wearables. Finally, the review emphasizes the shift toward multifunctionality, through which 2D materials are increasingly configured to perform multiple roles simultaneously, thereby enhancing both the utility and efficiency of smart textiles. By offering a detailed account of current achievements and potential advancements in the field of smart textiles, this review underscores the pivotal role of 2D materials in crafting next-generation wearables for applications in healthcare, sports, and beyond.