Multifunctional E‐Tattoos Based on Electrospun PVBVA Fibers Coated with Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene for Energy Harvesting, Energy Storage, and Biometric Sensing
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Multifunctional electronic tattoos (e‐tattoos) integrating energy harvesting, charge storage, and biosignal monitoring are critical for advancing wearable electronics. Most current technologies specialize in one or two functions, lacking a unified, skin‐compatible solution. A novel e‐tattoo is reported using electrospun poly(vinyl butyral‐co‐vinyl alcohol‐co‐vinyl acetate) (PVBVA) fibers coated with titanium carbide (Ti 3 C 2 T x ) MXene. A single electrode triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) was fabricated via a layer‐by‐layer method using a PVBVA/Ti 3 C 2 T x /PVBVA (PMxP) sandwich structure, and achieved an open‐circuit voltage of 250 V, short‐circuit current of 2.9 µA, and power density of 250 mW m − 2 (25 µW cm − 2 ) under a 2 MΩ load, enabling triboelectric energy harvesting from human motion. A parallel‐plate capacitor using PVBVA/Ti 3 C 2 T x electrodes and a PVBVA dielectric exhibited 14 pF capacitance at 10 kHz and 5 V, suitable for low‐power touch‐sensitive applications. Additionally, PMx‐based e‐tattoos captured real‐time electrocadiogram (ECG) and electromyography (EMG) signals with high skin conformability and minimal signal degradation. The device maintains mechanical flexibility, biocompatibility, and adhesion over extended wear. This scalable, non‐invasive platform demonstrates robust multifunctionality and durability, offering a promising route toward integrated, self‐powered wearable systems for health monitoring, human‐machine interfaces, and energy autonomy. The PMxP architecture represents a significant step toward all‐in‐one e‐tattoos that meet the demands of next‐generation electronics.
Source: Advanced Science
Authors: Ajay Pratap, Fereshteh Rajabi Kouchi, Tony Valayil‐Varghese, Hailey Burgoyne, Attila Rektor, Michael Curtis, Miranda Lea Nelson, Francis N. Mokogwu, Corey M. Efaw, Josh Eixenberger, Allyssa Bateman, Benjamin C. Johnson, Brian Jaques, Zhangxian Deng, Kurtis Cantley, Christopher E. Shuck, David Estrada
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $6,730
Funders: U.S. Department of Energy, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, Micron Foundation, Boise State University, Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, National Institutes of Health, Idaho Operations Office, U.S. Department of Energy, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, Office of Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research
Awards: G1062220900, G1260581288, G127156130, G1856142252, Idaho INBRE Program, G2732365621, G2873784832, G4455261128, G5375054085, G5589088098, G5659930161, G594963403, NUCLEAR ENERGY UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS - GENERAL SCIENTIFIC INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT
THE PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM IS TO UPGRADE AND IMPROVE THE U.S. UNIVERSITY NUCLEAR RESEARCH AND TRAINING REACTORS AND TO CONTRIBUTE TO STRENGTHEN THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY'S NUCLEAR ENGINEERING INFRASTRUCTURE., ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING OF FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS AND SENSOR DEVICES FOR NUCLEAR ENERGY APPLICATIONS, G9000107362, G9000202847
OpenAlex ID: W4417153459