Challenges and recent progress in carbon-based nanocomposites for sportswear and sensing applications

Abstract

Sportswear is an essential auxiliary wear for physical education activities in colleges and universities. Unfortunately, most sports equipment is made of heavyweight, expensive, and easily rusted metals. Herein, we report the recent progress in carbon-based nanocomposites for sportswears and sensors. To extend the service life of sportswear, advanced lightweight materials for sports goods are briefly discussed. Carbon materials such as 0D fullerenes, 1D carbon nanotubes, 2D graphene, and 3D graphite and their nanocomposites are more and more widely used in various industries in the world, and sportswear has no exceptions. Their superior performance and huge potential have a certain impact on improving sports performance. Firstly, we overviewed the advantages and multifunctional carbon nanocomposites in sportswear, and wearable sports applications at the present stage are explored. While simultaneously monitoring health or energy storage applications also explored, indeed the integration of all desirable functions into lightweight wearable sports goods emerged as a significant breakthrough for effective sports activities. More importantly, some sportswear prototypes equipped with unprecedented characteristics have also been overviewed in this review. Despite the recent developments, many barriers and difficulties still remain. New prospects are also suggested. This article seeks to inspire sports research communities to drive onward real-time advancement in the sports industry.