Transparent Polyurethane Fiber-Based Photoluminescent Smart Textiles with Ultrahigh Stretchability and Durability

Photoluminescent fibers are widely used in smart textiles due to their excellent adaptability, flexibility, and energy-saving. However, the opaque matrix that may absorb the emitted light limits the color exhibition. Meanwhile, the insufficient stretchability and luminous stability hinder long-term practical applications. To solve the issues, a transparent polyurethane matrix is employed to design silicon nanocrystals-based photoluminescent fibers through continuous wet spinning. The polyurethane matrix possesses a high transparency of 89.1% at visible bands, facilitating the emission of silicon nanocrystals. The as-prepared photoluminescent fibers have a maximum stretchability of 1421.59% and high luminous stability within 365 days, which enables them to be arbitrarily weaved into functional textiles, and have long photoluminescence timeliness. The facile fabrication of luminescent silicon nanocrystals/polyurethane fibers may provide a groundbreaking strategy for realizing color-modulated functional wearables and flexible displays.