Nanomaterials for smart wearable fibers and textiles: A critical review

Smart wearable devices with functionality and comfort are highly anticipated in practical applications for health monitoring, personal thermal management, and electromagnetic shielding. As an important branch of wearable devices, smart wearable fibers and textiles with high breathability and comfortability are eagerly desired for practical wearable applications, which have revolutionized the development of smart apparel. The introduction of nanomaterials (including carbon nanotubes, graphene, MXene, conductive polymers, and metal nanowires) with unique mechanical, electrical, and chemical properties can not only improve the functionality of wearables, but also maintain the flexibility of wearables. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in nanomaterial-based fibers and textiles for smart wearables, including the state-of-art fabrication methods, properties, and wearable applications. The role of nanomaterials in enhancing mechanical, electrical, and smart wearable versatility is highlighted, as well as the challenges and future directions for smart wearable fibers and textiles.