Flexible phase change film with motion sensing and tactile recognition for wearable thermal management

Phase change materials (PCMs) have gained significant interest in personal thermal management technologies owing to high latent heat capacity and isothermal phase transitions. However, achieving simultaneous thermal and wearing comfort remains a formidable challenge due to their solid rigidity and liquid leakage. In this work, a polyetheramine-based conductive phase change film was developed by introducing ion transport network and tetradecanol as phase change components encapsulated within the skeleton network. The film possesses adjustable heat storage density (79.5–163.4 J/g) and exceptional flexibility at room temperature. On the basis of desirable thermal regulation ability and ideal wearability, the film was successfully applied in the personal thermal management field and effectively regulated the human body temperature. Moreover, the film realized human motion sensing and object tactile recognition in real time with construction of the inner ion transport channels. This successful exploration provides a promising and scalable route towards intelligent wearable thermal management.