Multifunctional Electronic Textiles for the Simultaneous Detection and Uptake of Hydrogen Sulfide

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Textile Engineering

Background:

• Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a toxic gas requiring effective detection and removal methods.
• Existing technologies for H₂S management often lack multifunctionality or integrated sensing capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate multifunctional electronic textiles (e-textiles) for simultaneous H₂S detection and uptake.
• To characterize the performance and stability of these novel e-textiles.

Main Methods:

• Hydrothermal templation of bismuth-based framework (Bi(HHTP)) onto textile surfaces.
• Coating formation using 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexahydroxytriphenylene (HHTP) and bismuth acetate.
• Chemiresistive sensing measurements for H₂S concentration-dependent response.
• Breakthrough capacity experiments for H₂S uptake evaluation.

Main Results:

• Achieved significant Bi(HHTP) loading (8 ± 2 mg cm⁻²) with good electrical conductivity (1.26 kΩ cm⁻¹) and mechanical stability.
• Demonstrated selective, concentration-dependent chemiresistive sensing of H₂S (80 to 5 ppm) with high selectivity over other gases.
• Exhibited high micro-breakthrough capacities for H₂S uptake (up to 16.8 mmol g⁻¹).

Conclusions:

• The developed e-textiles offer a novel platform for simultaneous H₂S sensing and filtration.
• This technology represents a significant advancement in smart membrane development for gas management.
• The material's interaction with H₂S involves the formation of polysulfide species.