Intrinsically\nHealable and Photoresponsive Electrospun\nFabrics: Integrating PVDF-HFP, TPU, and Azobenzene Ionic Liquids

In recent years,\nthe integration of multifunctional properties\ninto electrospun fabrics has garnered significant attention for applications\nin wearable devices and smart textiles. A major challenge lies in\nachieving a balance among intermolecular interactions, structural\nstability, and responsiveness to external stimuli. In this study,\nwe address this challenge by developing intrinsically healable and\nphotoresponsive electrospun fabrics composed of poly(vinylidene fluoride-<i>co</i>-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP), thermoplastic polyurethane\n(TPU), and an azobenzene-based ionic liquid ([AzoC<sub>6</sub>MIM][TFSI]).\nThe interactions between PVDF-HFP and [AzoC<sub>6</sub>MIM][TFSI]\nenable intrinsic self-healing and light-induced responsiveness, while\nthe incorporation of TPU prevents fiber fusion during electrospinning,\nmaintaining structural integrity and porosity. Our results demonstrate\nthat these fabrics can recover up to 97% of their original mechanical\nproperties after self-healing and exhibit reversible changes in electrical\nconductivity under UV and visible lights. This versatile approach\npaves the way for the incorporation of high concentrations of functional\nionic liquids into electrospun fabrics, enabling the development of\nmultifunctional textiles with potential applications in self-healing\nwearable devices and advanced sensors.