Search Results (275)

A textile-based membraneless microfluidic microalgae–microbial solar cell (μmMSC) was developed for low-cost, flexible, and sustainable power generation. Unlike conventional systems, the proposed device utilizes a textile substrate, enabling mechanical flexibility and simplified fabrication. Microfluidic channels were patterned via screen printing using hydrophobic Ecoflex, and conductive electrodes were fabricated using PEDOT:PSS combined with Ag₂O and carbon nanotubes (MWCNT/SWCNT). At the anode, Synechocystis sp., Bacillus subtilis, and Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 were vertically co-cultured to enhance synergistic bioelectrochemical activity, while Scenedesmus obliquus was employed as a microalgae-based biocathode. Under these conditions, the μmMSC achieved a maximum current density of 144 μA cm⁻² and a peak power density of 17 μW cm⁻². These results demonstrate that the proposed textile-based μmMSC provides a promising platform for flexible bio-solar energy systems, with potential for wearable applications, while offering improved sustainability and scalability compared to conventional rigid device. Full article

Acid Orange 3 (AO3) is a widely used azo dye in leather, paper, and textile dyeing. Untreated direct discharge into water bodies severely threatens human health and aquatic ecosystems, yet efficient degradation remains challenging for conventional technologies. In this work, RuO₂/CeO₂ heterostructure was synthesized and immobilized on a Ti substrate via controlled hydrothermal and annealing treatments, yielding RuO₂/CeO₂@Ti electrode. The electrode showed electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) over a wide pH range. Under optimized conditions (47 mA/cm², pH 6, 0.25 M NaCl), 150 mg/L AO3 was degraded by 95.89% within 180 min. The degradation mechanism was elucidated by GC-MS and DFT (density functional theory) calculations. The degradation process was dominated by indirect oxidation, sequentially involving azo bond cleavage, heterocyclic ring opening, desulfurization, denitrification, benzene ring cleavage, and mineralization of small molecules into H₂O and CO₂. Full article

With the advent of ubiquitous healthcare and advancements in textile industry, non-invasive wearable biomedical solutions are becoming an increasingly attractive alternative to in-hospital monitoring, allowing for timely diagnostics and prediction of severe medical conditions. Non-contact biopotential monitoring is particularly promising because non-contact biopotential electrodes can be applied over clothing or embedded in the material without almost any preparation. However, due to the intricacies of capacitive coupling they rely on, the design of such electrodes and their interface with the body plays a key role in achieving measurement repeatability and their widespread utilization in clinical-grade diagnostics. Based on exhaustive investigation of several decades of the literature on non-contact and capacitive biopotential electrodes and electric potential sensors, this study is intended to serve as a state-of-the-art overview of their historical development and design challenges, a collecting point for important research theories and development milestones, a starting point for anyone seeking for a soft head start into this research area, and a remedy for occasional misnomers and conceptual errors identified in the existing papers. The ultimate goal of this comprehensive analysis is to demystify phenomena of non-contact biopotential monitoring and capacitive coupling, systematically reconciliate terminological inconsistencies, and enhance accessibility to the most important findings for future research. To accomplish this, fundamental concepts are thoroughly revisited—from fundamentals of electrochemistry and working principles of capacitors and operational amplifiers to system stability and frequency-domain analysis. With the use of various mathematical tools (Laplace transform, phasors and Fourier analysis, and time-domain differential calculus), discussions on non-contact and capacitive biopotential electrodes, collected from the 1960s onward, are for the first time compiled into a unified, abstracted, bottom-up analysis. The laid-out inspection provides analytical explanation for various aspects of measurement results available in the referenced literature, but also serves an educative purpose by devising a methodological framework that can be easily applied to other similar research fields. Firstly, the differences and similarities between wet, dry, surface-contact, non-contact, capacitive, insulated, on-body, and off-body biopotential electrodes are clarified. For this purpose, equivalent electrical models of various non-invasive biopotential electrodes are analyzed and compared. As a result, a proposal for a revised classification of biopotential electrodes is given. Secondly, instead of using the concept of a purely capacitive biopotential electrode, a test is proposed for assessing the predominant coupling mechanism achieved with an electrode over an insulating layer. Thirdly, a fundamental model of a buffer active non-contact biopotential electrode and its interface with the body is built and generalized, and the proposed test is applied for analyzing the influence of voltage attenuation and phase shifts on signal morphology. Lastly, guidelines for designing the described electrode–body interfaces are proposed, along with a discussion on practical aspects of their implementation. Full article

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence and wearable electronics, there is an increasing demand for skin-like, flexible, and self-powered sensors capable of continuously perceiving mechanical stimuli and human motions. Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG)-based sensors incorporating stretchable conductive gels represent a promising approach to meet these requirements by combining soft mechanical compliance with efficient electromechanical signal transduction. However, conventional metallic or composite electrodes often suffer from mechanical mismatch with soft skin-like systems, motivating the exploration of intrinsically soft and stretchable conductive gels. In this review, we present a comprehensive and structured overview with comparative perspectives of stretchable skin-like conductive gel-based triboelectric devices. First, different classes of conductive gels, including hydrogels, organogels, ionogels, and other emerging gel systems, are systematically summarized and compared in terms of their composition, crosslinking strategies, conductivity, and mechanical characteristics. Next, the pivotal role of conductive gels in bridging skin-like sensing functions and triboelectric applications is elucidated, highlighting how their intrinsic softness, stretchability, self-healing capability, and interfacial conformability enable intimate skin contact and reliable electromechanical coupling. The key performance attributes of gel-based skin-like triboelectric sensors, including stretchability, self-healing behavior, optical and thermal tolerance, electrical durability, and environmental stability, are critically discussed with representative examples and comparative analysis. Typical device configurations, such as thin-film, fiber-shaped, and textile-based architectures, are further reviewed to illustrate structure–function relationships and application-oriented design strategies. Finally, current challenges, limitations, and future research directions for stretchable conductive gel-based triboelectric systems are outlined, aiming to provide practical guidelines and insights for the rational design of high-performance skin-like triboelectric sensors based on conductive gels. Full article

Wearable sensing technologies are increasingly used to assess neuromuscular function during daily-life activities. This study presents and evaluates a multisensor wearable system integrating a textile-based surface Electromyography (sEMG) sleeve and a pressure-sensing insole for monitoring Tibialis Anterior (TA) and Gastrocnemius Lateralis (GL) activation during gait. Eleven healthy adults performed overground walking trials while synchronised sEMG and plantar pressure signals were collected and processed using a dedicated algorithm for detecting activation intervals across gait cycles. All participants completed the walking protocol without discomfort, and the system provided stable recordings suitable for further analysis. The detected activation patterns showed one to four bursts per gait cycle, with consistent TA activity in terminal swing and GL activity in mid- to terminal stance. Additional short bursts were observed in early stance, pre-swing, and mid-stance depending on the pattern. The area under the sEMG envelope and the temporal features of each burst exhibited both inter- and intra-subject variability, consistent with known physiological modulation of gait-related muscle activity. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed multisensor system for characterising muscle activation during walking. Its comfort, signal quality, and ease of integration encourage further applications in clinical gait assessment and remote monitoring. Future work will focus on system optimisation, simplified donning procedures, and validation in larger cohorts and populations with gait impairments. Full article

The textile industry is one of the largest consumers of water worldwide and generates highly complex and pollutant-rich textile wastewater (TWW). Due to its high load of recalcitrant organic compounds, dyes, salts, and heavy metals, TWW represents a major environmental concern and a challenge for conventional treatment processes. Among advanced alternatives, electrooxidation (EO) and membrane technologies have shown great potential for the efficient removal of dyes, organic matter, and salts. This review provides a critical overview of the application of EO and membrane processes for TWW treatment, highlighting their mechanisms, advantages, limitations, and performance in real industrial scenarios. Special attention is given to the integration of EO and membrane processes as combined or hybrid systems, which have demonstrated synergistic effects in pollutant degradation, fouling reduction, and water recovery. Challenges such as energy consumption, durability of electrode and membrane materials, fouling, and concentrate management are also addressed. Finally, future perspectives are proposed, emphasizing the need to optimize hybrid configurations and ensure cost-effectiveness, scalability, and environmental sustainability, thereby contributing to the development of circular water management strategies in the textile sector. Full article

Tannery wastewater from textile-related industries poses treatment challenges due to its high load of recalcitrant pollutants. Various advanced hybrid treatments, such as electro-oxidation (EO), have been proposed but mainly focus on electrode material development. Several studies on EO using multiple electrode pairs with large electroactive surface areas exist, however, none have reported on mass transfer characterization. This study addresses these gaps by investigating the electro-degradation performance of active (mixed-metal oxide, MMO) and non-active (boron-doped diamond, BDD) anodes paired with carbonaceous (graphite) and non-carbonaceous (stainless steel, SS) cathodes under applied current densities of 2 to 6 mA/cm². A 2 L volume of simulated tannery wastewater containing recalcitrant tannic acid was treated using three electrode pairs with a total surface area of 500 cm². Results showed optimal condition was identified at 4 mA/cm² across all electrode combinations and better degradation using BDD anodes and SS cathodes, with total organic carbon (TOC) removed up to 500 mg/L (98% removal). Adopting the 3-electrode configuration, mass transfer coefficients ranged from 4.15 to 5.18 × 10⁻⁶ m/s. Energy consumption evaluation suggested MMO as a more cost-effective option, while BDD remained preferable for highly recalcitrant waste. Higher currents show diminishing returns due to mass transfer and parasitic reactions. Full article

This study presents a bibliometric review of scientific progress concerning the synergy between microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and textile dye remediation. Drawing from the Scopus database, the analysis spans the years 2005–2025 and applies systematic filters to derive a final corpus of 239 articles compatible with Bibliometrix software (4.2.1). Quantitative and structural analyses were conducted using RStudio with the Bibliometrix package, thematic network visualizations via VOSviewer (1.6.19), and frequency matrices, citation rates, and international collaboration indicators organized in Excel. Results reveal exponential growth in scholarly output, particularly within Environmental Sciences, Chemical Engineering, and Microbiology. China and India lead in publication volume, while countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, and Australia show high impact and international collaboration. Co-authorship networks reflect consolidated clusters, though connectivity gaps remain among emerging authors. Bioresource Technology is identified as a central journal, with terms like “wastewater treatment” and “microbial fuel cell” indicating thematic consolidation. Opportunities still exist in areas such as explainable artificial intelligence, integration with microalgae, and heavy metal remediation. Highly cited articles contribute key technical insights, highlighting hybrid configurations and advancements in electrode materials. Strategic mapping suggests that MFCs have evolved from experimental concepts to viable alternatives in industrial sustainability, though scalability, operational costs, and geographic representation remain significant challenges. This bibliometric review not only maps accumulated knowledge but also serves as a strategic compass for guiding future research toward integrated, accessible, and replicable bioelectrochemical technologies for textile dye treatment. Full article

This study presents an integrated evaluation framework for textile-based electrical muscle stimulation smartwear electrodes, combining physiological and user-centered assessments to ensure comprehensive performance analysis. Four electrode types—lock stitch, knit, hot stamping, and moss stitch—were examined using a systematic five-step process with nine participants. Quantitative measurements were obtained using electromyography to determine maximum voluntary contraction and tensiomyography to assess muscle contraction velocity. The knit electrode demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in maximum voluntary contraction following stimulation (W = 2.0, p = 0.012, Cohen’s d = 0.58), indicating effective neuromuscular activation and fatigue induction. The moss stitch electrode also showed a notable trend toward reduced muscle activation (W = 6.0, p = 0.055, d = 0.37). In contrast, the lock stitch and hot stamping electrodes exhibited negligible changes. User experience surveys revealed overall high acceptance across all electrode types (4.0–4.5 of mean scores on a 5-point scale), with the moss stitch electrode receiving the highest ratings for perceived safety and minimal skin discomfort, while the hot stamping electrode scored lowest in breathability. The proposed framework enables balanced evaluation of both functional performance and user experience, offering practical design guidance for optimizing textile electrodes across applications ranging from high-intensity athletic training to low-intensity rehabilitation. Full article

The generation of over 150 million tons of hemp waste annually is as much of a sustainability challenge as it is an opportunity for the circular bioeconomy. This review provides a critical analysis of the recent trends in the use of industrial hemp waste as a precursor to producing sustainable bioproducts. The objective is to synthesize the current state of knowledge and to identify the various pathways for valorizing hemp waste beyond the traditional applications. The methodology involved the systematic assessment of the recent literature to identify the applications in textiles, biocomposites, packaging, and, most importantly, advanced areas such as hemp-based carbon materials for storing energy, biomedical materials, and smart biomaterials. Findings showed that hemp waste is a versatile material for creating high-value products, as it shows promise in carbon electrodes for supercapacitors as well as reinforcement for 3D-printed biocomposites. However, there are some limitations in terms of standardization and scalability. The review concludes that future progress depends on multidisciplinary research to optimize conversion and utilization processes, including the development of comprehensive life-cycle assessments and reliable supply chains. Full article

In the era of smart garments, textile electrodes for electromyography (EMG) or functional electric stimulation (FES) represent a very interesting and promising area of development and exploitation. In this frame, we conducted a patent landscape analysis of textile solution for EMG sensing and FES actuation, using Espacenet as a reference database and Orbit Intelligent platform as a data analysis tool. The landscape analysis focused on the following aspects: filing trends, top applicants in this domain, main publication countries, forward citations, and collaborations between applicants. Following the screening process, a total of 97 patent families were subjected to subsequent analysis. China and the United States account for the majority of patents. The main applicants by volume of the topics studied are universities or research public entities. Full article

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a vital chemical with extensive applications in industries such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textiles, water treatment, and food preservation. However, traditional production methods, particularly the anthraquinone process, are energy-intensive, environmentally detrimental, and economically challenging. This review explores the emerging role of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) as sustainable and efficient catalysts for environmentally sustainable generation of H₂O₂ through photocatalytic and electrocatalytic pathways. COFs, with their tunable porosity, high surface area, and functionalization capabilities, offer unique advantages in enhancing catalytic performance, including improved mass transport, optimized charge transfer, and stabilization of reaction intermediates. Recent advancements in COF-based systems have demonstrated significant improvements in H₂O₂ yields, driven by innovative designs such as hierarchical pore structures, functional group incorporation, and hybrid composites with conductive materials. Additionally, the integration of COFs into flexible electrode architectures and on-site detection technologies highlights their potential for scalable and practical applications. Despite these advancements, challenges related to catalytic stability, scalability, and industrial integration remain. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms, design principles, and performance of COF-based H₂O₂ generation systems, while identifying future research directions to address existing limitations. By leveraging the unique properties of engineered COFs, this work underscores their transformative potential in advancing sustainable H₂O₂ production, paving the way for greener and more efficient industrial processes. Full article

Flexible pressure sensors are essential for wearable electronics, human–machine interfaces, and soft robotics. However, conventional Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based sensors often suffer from limited conductivity, poor filler dispersion, and low structural integration with textile substrates. In this work, we present a robotic drop-coating approach for fabricating graphite–copper nanoparticle (G-CuNP)/PDMS composite pressure sensors with textile-integrated electrodes. By precisely controlling droplet deposition, a three-layer sandwiched structure was realized that ensures uniformity and scalability while avoiding the drawbacks of conventional full-line coating. The effects of filler loading and graphite nanoparticle (GNP) and copper nanoparticle (CuNP) ratios were systematically investigated, and the optimized sensor was obtained at 40 wt% total fillers with a graphite content of 55 wt%. The fabricated device exhibited high sensitivity in the low-pressure region, stable performance in the medium- and high-pressure ranges, and an exponential saturation fitting with R² = 0.998. The average hysteresis was 7.42%, with excellent cyclic stability over 1000 loading cycles. Furthermore, a hand-shaped sensor matrix composed of five distributed sensing units successfully distinguished grasping behaviors of lightweight and heavyweight objects, demonstrating multipoint force mapping capability. This study highlights the advantages of robotic drop-coating for scalable fabrication and provides a promising pathway toward low-cost, reliable, and wearable soft pressure sensors. Full article

The discharge of dye-laden effluents remains an environmental challenge since conventional treatments remove color but not the organic load. This study systematically compared anodic oxidation (AO), electro-Fenton (EF), and photoelectro-Fenton (PEF) processes for three representative industrial dyes, such as Coriasol Red CB, Brown RBH, and Blue VT, and their ternary mixture, using boron-doped diamond (BDD) and Ti/IrO₂–SnO₂–Sb₂O₅ (MMO) anodes. Experiments were conducted in a batch reactor with 50 mM Na₂SO₄ at pH = 3.0 and current densities of 20–60 mA cm⁻². Kinetic analysis showed that AO-BDD was most effective at low pollutant loads, EF-BDD became superior at medium loads due to efficient H₂O₂ electrogeneration, and PEF-MMO dominated at higher loads by fast UVA photolysis of surface Fe(OH)²⁺ complexes. In a ternary mixture of 120 mg L⁻¹ of dyes, EF-BDD and PEF-MMO achieved >98% decolorization in 22–23 min with pseudo-first-order rate constants of 0.111–0.136 min⁻¹, whereas AO processes remained slower. COD assays revealed partial mineralization of 60–80%, with EF-BDD providing the most consistent reduction and PEF-MMO minimizing treatment time. These findings confirm that decolorization overestimates efficiency, and electrode selection must be tailored to dye structure and effluent composition. Process selection rules allow us to conclude that EF-BDD is the best robust dark option, and PEF-MMO, when UVA is available, offers practical guidelines for cost-effective electrochemical treatment of textile wastewater. Full article

Real-time sweat pH monitoring offers a non-invasive window into metabolic status, disease progression, and wound healing. However, current wearable pH sensors struggle to balance high electrochemical sensitivity with mechanical compliance. Here we report a stretchable fiber-integrated pH electrode based on a polyaniline-phytic acid-polyvinyl alcohol (PANI-PA-PVA) hydrogel, which combines mechanical elasticity with enhanced electrochemical performance for continuous sweat sensing. Freeze–thaw crosslinking of the hydrogel forms a porous interpenetrating network, facilitating rapid proton transport and stable coupling with dry-spun elastic gold fibers. This wearable device exhibits an ultra-Nernstian sensitivity of 68.8 mV pH⁻¹, ultra-fast equilibrium (<10 s within the sweat-relevant acidic window), long-term drift of 0.0925 mV h⁻¹, and high mechanical tolerance (gel stretch recovery up to 165%). The sensor maintains consistent pH responses under bending and tensile strains, yielding sweat pH measurements at the skin surface during running that closely match commercial pH meters (sweat pH range measured in test subjects: 4.2–5.0). We further demonstrate real-time wireless readouts by integrating elastic gold and Ag/AgCl fibers into a three-electrode textile structure. This PANI-PA-PVA hydrogel strategy provides a scalable material platform for robust, high-performance wearable ion sensing and skin diagnostics. Full article