J. Mater. Sci. Technol. ›› 2025, Vol. 233: 154-165.DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.12.096

• Research article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Scalable topological-entanglement conductive coaxial fibers with superior durability for wearable strain sensing and triboelectric fabric

Yulong Wanga,b, Xia Liua,b, Chengyu Lib,d, Wei Wangb,c, Di Guob,d, Mengmeng Jiab,d, Shidai Tiana,e, Lingyu Wana,*, Aifang Yub,d,*, Junyi Zhaia,b,d,*   

  1. aCenter on Nanoenergy Research, School of Physical Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China;
    bBeijing Key Laboratory of Micro-Nano Energy and Sensor, Center for High-Entropy Energy and Systems, Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101400, China;
    cCollege of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China;
    dSchool of Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese, Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China;
    eSchool of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
  • Received:2024-10-05 Revised:2024-12-17 Accepted:2024-12-28 Published:2025-10-20 Online:2025-11-05
  • Contact: *E-mail addresses: lyw2017@gxu.edu.cn (L. Wan), yuaifang@binn.cas.cn (A. Yu), jyzhai@binn.cas.cn (J. Zhai).

Abstract: Although flexible, stretchable, and conductive core-sheath structured smart fibers have propelled to the forefront research in wearable strain sensors and self-powered electronics, challenges related to scalability, complexity, and mechanical durability remain. In this study, we propose a strategy for the scalable production of conductive coaxial fiber (CCF) with superior durability through one-step direct wet spinning coherent solutions. By introducing the polystyrene-block-polyisoprene-block-polystyrene phase in both inner and outer layers, CCFs feature an interleaved topology and share a similar modulus, successfully resolving the issue of layer separation over time. They can endure up to 15,000 cycles with no damage at a strain of 100%. In addition, the topological entanglement CCF as a strain sensor exhibits a broad operational range of up to 398.3% strain, outstanding sensitivity (i.e., gauge factor = 6713 at 398.3% strain) and swift response time (248 ms). Enhanced by machine learning, the system achieves a high accuracy rate of 95% in gait recognition and 100% in American Sign Language identification. Furthermore, the CCF can function as a wearable triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) for self-powered sensing and mechanical energy harvesting. This study represents a significant step toward the development of multifunctional micro-wearable electronic devices, which hold immense promise for medical sensing and energy harvesting in smart wearable electronics, human-computer interaction, and artificial intelligence.

Key words: Conductive coaxial fiber, Topological-entanglement, Strain sensor, Triboelectric nanogenerator, Self-powered sensor