A high-performance stretchable fiber-based thermoelectric device capable of simultaneously detecting temperature, strain, and pressure has been developed. This breakthrough, achieved by researchers at Yonsei University led by Prof. Taeyoon Lee, was recently published in Advanced Functional Materials as an Editor's Choice article and featured on the journal's Front Cover in January 2025.

As the importance of remote health monitoring and personalized medical devices continues to grow, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for advanced wearable sensors has significantly increased. Conventional thermoelectric materials often lack flexibility or exhibit poor performance, limiting their suitability for wearable applications. This research overcomes these challenges by developing a highly stretchable and high-performance fiber that bridges the gap between functionality and practicality. 

The innovative fiber, embedded with CuI nanoparticles in a polyurethane matrix, achieves exceptional flexibility and stretchability while maintaining high thermoelectric performance. The fiber can be stretched up to 835% and independently detect temperature, tension, and pressure—mimicking the sensory capabilities of human skin.

The research team further demonstrated its potential by integrating the fiber into a wearable smart glove capable of precisely detecting various physical stimuli. This groundbreaking technology opens new possibilities for personalized health monitoring and remote medical applications. 

Prof. Lee stated, "This research introduces a novel approach to replicating human-like sensory functions with a single fiber, offering significant potential for future medical and wearable devices."

A highly stretchable CuI-based thermoelectric fiber sensor enabling simultaneous detection of thermal and mechanical stimuli was developed and integrated into a wearable smart glove

[Reference] K. Yoon, S. Lee, C. Kwon, C. Won, S. Cho, S. Lee, M. Lee, J. Lee, H. Lee, K.-I. Jang, B. Kim, T. Lee, (2025) “Highly Stretchable Thermoelectric Fiber with Embedded Copper(I) Iodide Nanoparticles for a Multimodal Temperature, Strain, and Pressure Sensor in Wearable Electronics”, Advanced Functional Materials, 35, 1, 2407759.

https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202407759

[Main Author] Kukro Yoon (Yonsei University), Dr. Sanghyeon Lee (Yonsei University), Prof. Byeonggwan Kim (Chungnam National University), Prof. Taeyoon Lee (Yonsei University)

* Contact : taeyoon.lee@yonsei.ac.kr