Thermoelectric fabric shows multifunctional sensing capabilities

The new fabric developed by a Waterloo research team in Canada can convert body heat and solar energy into electricity, potentially enabling continuous operation with no need for an external power source. Different sensors monitoring temperature, stress, and more can be integrated into the material.

It can detect temperature changes and a range of other sensors to monitor variables including pressure and  chemical composition. According to the team, one promising application is a smart face masks that can track breath temperature and rate and detect chemicals in breath to help identify viruses, lung cancer, and other conditions.

“We have developed a fabric material with multifunctional sensing capabilities and self-powering potential,” Yuning Li, a professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering, said in a statement. “This innovation brings us closer to practical applications for smart fabrics.”

Unlike current wearable devices that often depend on external power sources or frequent recharging, this research has created a novel fabric which is claimed to be more stable, durable, and cost-effective than other fabrics on the market.