Fabrication of graphene-coated flexible and conductive cotton fabrics

Electronic functionality in textiles has revolutionized wearable electronics, enabling intelligent and interactive clothing. One of the major challenges in e-textiles is minimizing electrical resistance while maintaining mechanical flexibility and comfort. This thesis examines graphene-coated e-textiles as a promising solution. Graphene, a two-dimensional carbon material with excellent electrical, mechanical, and thermodynamic properties, has garnered attention recently. Due to its high electrical conductivity and mechanical flexibility, it can improve e-textile electrical performance. This study aims to develop a scalable and cost-effective graphene coating method for textile substrates. The thesis begins by analyzing the latest graphene synthesis and deposition methods. It tests SDBS, solution-based deposition, and PVA to find the best method for graphene deposition on textiles. Scalability, cost, and textile substrate compatibility are considered during selection. Experiments optimize graphene deposition and characterize the electrical properties of the e-textile. Systematically examined how GNP/SDBS/PVA concentration, coating thickness, and post-deposition procedures affect graphene-coated e-textile electrical resistance. To ensure wearability, the coated textile's mechanical flexibility and durability are tested. The thesis examines low-resistance graphene coated e-textile applications. It tests them in ubiquitous sensors, energy harvesting devices, and smart garments. The enhanced electrical conductivity of the e-textile allows for improved sensing and energy transmission, enabling advanced wearable-electronics with improved functionality and performance. This study shows the benefits of low-resistance graphene-coated e-textiles with resistance. These functional textiles can be made cheaply and scalable using the deposition technique. The optimized electromechanical properties show the textiles' potential for many wearable applications, paving the way for smart garments and malleable electronics.