Magneto-mechano-electrochemical fiber for deformation-resilient and smart electronic textiles

Abstract

Electronic textiles represent a transformative platform for integrating technology into daily wear, yet their development has been undermined by a fundamental challenge: the conflicting requirements between mechanical deformation for functionality and structural stability for performance. This challenge is particularly acute in cylindrical fiber electrodes, where inherent nonuniform electric field distribution leads to dendrite formation and poor active material utilization—problems that are further exacerbated by mechanical deformation. Here, we present a magneto-mechano-electrochemical architecture that addresses this challenge. Through magnetoelectrochemistry, magneto-mechano-electrochemical fiber promotes uniform electrochemical reactions, extending the battery lifespan by (374 ± 79)% and enhancing the capacity by (61 ± 20)% at a current density of 1.0 ampere per gram in the undeformed state. The magnetic field remains effective in regulating ion transport and stabilizing electrode structure under deformation. This deformation-resilient platform simultaneously enables energy harvesting from body motion and physiological monitoring through electromagnetic induction and magnetoelastic sensing, thereby transforming conventional textiles into deformation-resilient and smart health monitoring systems.