Conductive textiles via electroless deposition for flexible electronics

In this work, we report on conductive cellulose fabrics obtained via electroless copper deposition, and demonstrate their use as (1) flexible electrical circuits for low energyconsumption devices, (2) temperature sensors, and (3) flexible capacitors. The results illustrate new concepts for the further development of electronic textiles (e-textiles). E-textiles target the use of fabrics as substrates to create flexible electronic devices with a diverse variety of applications, from home care, medical, wellness, security, sports, to communications and technical applications. However, current technologies available for the production of electrically conductive textiles exhibit limitations in combining the desired electrical conductivity with integration of complex architectures of electronics and sensors, while maintaining stretch and comfort properties of textiles.