Progress in MXene integrated wearable textile devices for thermotherapy

The maintenance of the proper thermal equilibrium between the human body and clothing, as well as the need to save energy, makes wearable thermal devices extremely important. Conventional thermal devices are inefficient at controlling thermal balance and use a lot of energy. Modern thermo-regulated wearable technology can control heat on a personal level while using less energy. Here, the surface of the textile can be altered by integrating with polymeric electroactive materials, specially-MXene. A MXene is a two-dimensional transition metal carbide, nitride, and carbonitride that possesses unique physicochemical properties, including high electrical conductivity, excellent mechanical strength, and high stability under thermal conditions. These properties make MXenes promising candidates for various applications, including wearable thermal devices for thermo-therapy. This review discusses the heating and cooling mechanism, methods for integrating active and passive heating elements into conventional textiles and synthesis of MXenes. The properties of MXene-integrated thermal devices, such as electrical, electro-thermal, photothermal, durable and comfort properties are also stated clearly. Finally, the applications of MXene integrated wearable thermal devices for thermotherapy and its future aspects are discussed which will benefit the scientists and user.