Wearable ultra-lightweight solar textiles based on transparent electronic fabrics. (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wu, Chaoxing; Kim, Tae Whan; Guo, Tailiang; Li, Fushan
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 32(2017:Feb.)
• Page Start: 367
• Page End: 373
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: Solar textile -- Electronic fabric -- Graphene -- Ag nanowires -- Wearable electronics; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Nanoscience; Nanostructured materials; Nanotechnology; Power resources -- Technological innovations; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2016.12.040
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: Wearable solar textiles have currently emerged as excellent candidates for potential applications in next-generation wearable functional clothing. Here, we report a wearable ultra-lightweight polymer solar textile based on transparent electronic fabrics (e-fabrics). The transparent e-fabrics with a structure of polyester/Ag nanowires/graphene core-shell have been used as anodes, as well as transparent substrates, for solar textiles. The anode buffer layer and the bulk heterojunction layer were deposited by blade-coating them onto the e-fabrics. The fabricated solar textiles show a power conversion efficiency of 2.27%, a low areal density of 5.0 mg/cm 2, good endurance against mechanical deformations, and high compatibility with clothing. These results indicate that these novel solar textiles hold potential applications in the field of wearable self-powered portable electronics. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Wearable ultra-lightweight polymer solar textile based on transparent electronic fabrics (e-fabrics) is developed. Transparent e-fabric has been used as anodes as well as transparent substrates for solar textile. Solar textile shows a power conversion efficiency of 2.27%, good endurance against mechanical deformations, and high compatibility with clothing. Solar textile shows a low areal density of 5.0 mg/cm 2 .