Abstract
Underwater tasks such as ocean exploration and emergency rescue demand advanced wearable sensors. However, multifunctional underwater sensors capable of integrating self-powered signal transmission, effective thermal-moisture regulation, and multi-signal decoupling remain unreported. Here, we present a three-dimensional multi-functional thermoelectric device composed of highly porous polyurethane foam coated with a waterproof conductive layer made from single-walled carbon nanotubes, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-polystyrene sulfonate, and waterborne polyurethane. Hydrogen bonding between the sulfonate groups in poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-polystyrene sulfonate and the -NH groups in waterborne polyurethane enhances water resistance (contact angle of 112°) and mechanical durability under repeated compression (20,000 cycles), while achieving an ultra-fast response time of 40 ms. The device exhibits high breathability (406 mm s−1) owing to its porous three-dimensional architecture. Additionally, it enables precise temperature sensing with a resolution of 0.05 K and a response time of 400 ms. Importantly, it successfully decouples temperature and strain signals in underwater environments. Leveraging its waterproof and signal-decoupling capabilities, we further demonstrate a fully integrated underwater monitoring and interaction system encompassing sensing hardware and decision-making logic. This work represents a significant advancement in wearable underwater electronics and offers another perspective for reliable, real-time human-machine interaction in aquatic settings.
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The data generated in this study are provided in the Source Data file. All data are available from the corresponding author upon request. Source data are provided with this paper.
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Acknowledgements
This work was partly supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (2232023A-05), the grant (52373069) from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and the Chang Jiang Scholars Program. This work was financially supported by the Australian Research Council, HBIS-UQ Innovation Centre for Sustainable Steel project, and QUT Capacity Building Professor Program.
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Z.-G. C., X.H. Q. and L.M. W. supervised the project and conceived the idea. W.D. L., X.-L. S. and X.Y. H. designed the experiments and wrote the manuscript. W.D. L. and S.Y. Z. performed the sample preparation, structural characterization, and thermoelectric property measurements. W.D. L., Z. L. and C.Z. L. conducted the finite element simulations and machine learning computation. W.D. L., M. L., X.Y. W., D. Z. and H.N. Z. analyzed the data. All the authors discussed the results and commented on the manuscript. All authors have approved the final version of the manuscript.
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Liu, W., Shi, XL., He, X. et al. A waterproof and ultra-elastic thermoelectric foam for underwater human signal detection. Nat Commun (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-68055-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-68055-y
