Macro/microfiber-shaped electronic devices

Fibers are low-cost substrates that are ubiquitous in our daily lives, and their applications have been extended even further. In recent years, fiber-shaped electronics have attracted considerable attention because of their potential application in wearable textiles. This review discusses the recent advances in fiber-shaped electronics, including fiber-shaped power devices, transistors, and nanogenerators, as well as composite fiber-shaped electronic devices. Moreover, some promising methods in manufacturing fiber and wearable electronics are introduced. Finally, the challenges as well as a number of key areas to focus on are discussed.

Graphical abstractSchematic of the process from an e-fiber to an e-textile band, a picture of the band-weaving machine used, and a close-up of the weaving region showing an inserted e-fiber being woven onto the textile band and a schematic of a two-wire bus structure implemented in a textile using a conductive yarn to connect the contact pads on adjacent fibers.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Fiber-electronic devices could be embedded in textile substrates for medical, military, or daily use. ► Macro/microfiber-shaped electronic devices are more convenient to be knitted into textiles, just like knitting a sweater. ► Fiber-shaped power devices can power wearable, mobile, or stationary electronic devices to communicate, light, cool, or heat. ► Fiber-shaped transistors are building blocks for complicated electronic circuits and other functions can be derived from them. ► Various methods used to weave fiber-shaped electronics for large-scale electronic textiles opening new applications.