Next-gen fibers: Smart textile can sense light, pressure, smell and even taste
Researchers successfully developed a multifunctional sensor based on semiconductor fibers that emulates the five human senses. The technology developed in the study is expected to be utilized in a variety of state-of-the-art technology fields, such as wearables, Internet of Things (IoT), electronic devices, and soft robotics.
The semiconductor fiber sensor developed by the research team is much more sophisticated and functional than traditional one-dimensional fiber sensors.
Notably, the new sensor sensitively responds to changes in the external environment owing to its unique structure within the fibers that allows it to simultaneously measure and monitor light, chemicals, pressure, and environmental information, such as pH (acidity), ammonia (NH3), and mechanical strain levels. The research team proposed these technologies as a new sensor platform that can detect and process multiple signals at once in the same manner as the five human senses.
This study fabricated fibers that can freely adjust to a three-dimensional shape through a special fabrication process based on molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). In particular, the fibers' three-dimensional spiral structure, which was naturally formed while the fibers were aligned into a ribbon shape, allows the precise control of the curve of the fibers.
The fabricated fibers showed good performance owing to the outstanding electro-mechanical properties of MoS2 and the aligned structure within the fibers. The fibers also demonstrated the potential for sensing a variety of environmental information.
Professor Bonghoon Kim said, "This study has greatly expanded the range of applications for two-dimensional nanomaterials, such as molybdenum disulfide. We will continue to use various materials and research the technologies that can accurately measure signals required for wearable technologies."
The research team included Professor Bonghoon Kim at the Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering of Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology in collaboration with Professor Sangwook Kim at KAIST, Professor Janghwan Kim at Ajou University, and Professor Jiwoong Kim at Soongsil University.
More information: Jun Hyun Park et al, 2D MoS2 Helical Liquid Crystalline Fibers for Multifunctional Wearable Sensors, Advanced Fiber Materials (2024).
