Smart Textiles with Janus Wetting and Wicking Properties Fabricated by Graphene Oxide Coatings

The interaction between water and fibres is critical in the physiological comfort of garments, especially inner wears. Antigravity directional water transport and ultrafast evaporation are the two key indicators to be expected of a high-performance moisture management textile. However, it is practically still challenging to make the textiles with continuous directional liquid moisture transport and outstanding prevention of water penetration in the reverse direction. In this work, a Janus functional textile achieved by graphene oxide (GO) coating is developed, with the GO coating side on the textile working as the outer side for its good moisture absorbing and spreading features and the reduced GO coating side serving as the inner layer because of its hydrophobicity. Performance of the as-prepared textile is characterized by moisture management tester (MMT), exhibiting remarkable accumulative one-way transport index R (1145%) and a desired overall moisture management capacity (0.77) within 120s, the negative R value (-690.4%) indicates an ultrahigh directional liquid moisture transport capacity. The Janus textile could provide a source of inspiration for the development of more adaptive textiles and garments to maximize personal comfort in demanding situations under hot and humid environments.