Highly-Efficient Dendritic Cable Electrodes for Flexible Supercapacitive Fabric

Fractal Growth of Quasi Two-Dimensional Copper Dendrites by Template-free Electrodeposition

Fractal dendrites are extensively observed in industry, especially in the electrochemical deposition process. The fractal dendrite electrodeposition behavior of quasi-two-dimensional Cu (Q2D-Cu) metal based on the wire is examined via direct electrodeposition using a thin layer reactor. Here, to explain the fractal growth mechanism, the directional migration and random walking of ions are introduced in the traditional diffusion-limited aggregation model, and fractal patterns consistent with the experimental results are successfully simulated. In addition, the Cu fractal dendrite structure is finely adjusted by varying electrodeposition conditions, demonstrating its great potential for further optimization. The CuO/Q2D-Cu fractal dendrite photothermal device fabricated through in situ assembly of CuO nanowires on Cu fractal dendrite has good photothermal conversion ability. Therefore, metal fractal dendrites, which are considered harmful in the electroplating industry, have application prospects in the photothermal field.

Embroidering a Filmsy Photorechargeable Energy Fabric with Wide Weather Adaptability

To provide a light and breathable self-charging wearable power source adaptable for various weather conditions and body movements, couching embroidery has been proposed as an industrially scalable electrode-to-device assembling strategy, rather than a decorative textile pattern making process. Various types of cable electrodes and device units with a large size and shape difference were directly and reliably assembled on a light and soft tulle to form either photovoltaic or battery devices, which can be further integrated following any irregular pattern and any electrical connection design. Under sunlight, a transparent tulle as a glove or scarf can be charged up at a power of 10 W/m², and then maintain stable power output in the dark for various weather and body moving conditions, including bending, twisting, hand-stretching, wind blowing, and water washing. Our approaches not only simplified the fabrication of integrated fabric-type energy devices but also improved the structural and functional design flexibility of a portable electronic power source, especially for summer wearing applications.

Bio-Integrated Wearable Systems: A Comprehensive Review

Bio-integrated wearable systems can measure a broad range of biophysical, biochemical, and environmental signals to provide critical insights into overall health status and to quantify human performance. Recent advances in material science, chemical analysis techniques, device designs, and assembly methods form the foundations for a uniquely differentiated type of wearable technology, characterized by noninvasive, intimate integration with the soft, curved, time-dynamic surfaces of the body. This review summarizes the latest advances in this emerging field of "bio-integrated" technologies in a comprehensive manner that connects fundamental developments in chemistry, material science, and engineering with sensing technologies that have the potential for widespread deployment and societal benefit in human health care. An introduction to the chemistries and materials for the active components of these systems contextualizes essential design considerations for sensors and associated platforms that appear in following sections. The subsequent content highlights the most advanced biosensors, classified according to their ability to capture biophysical, biochemical, and environmental information. Additional sections feature schemes for electrically powering these sensors and strategies for achieving fully integrated, wireless systems. The review concludes with an overview of key remaining challenges and a summary of opportunities where advances in materials chemistry will be critically important for continued progress.