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Zheng et al. Soft Sci. 2026, 6, 32 Page 49 of 57

Microscale morphology: dimensional properties, surface texture, and porosity
Surface engineering and hierarchical pore design are two further ways to modify fiber characteristics at the
microscale level. As ionic conduits, ordered nanopores (usually 10-50 nm in size) created between vertically
aligned layers improve rate capability and lower diffusion resistance [176-178] . By modifying the solidification
kinetics and the rheological characteristics of the spinning slurry, such microporous structures can be
created, according to small-angle X-ray scattering study [176] . Roughened or pleated surfaces improve
interfacial adhesion with gel electrolytes and expand the effective area for electrochemical processes. Rapid
solidification or post-processing enlargement are frequently used to produce this effect [53] .
One-dimensional/two-dimensional heterostructure networks are created by weaving CNTs or conductive
polymers across MXene/graphene layers. This creates continuous conductive frameworks that drastically
lower interlayer contact resistance. Conductivities surpassing 10 S·m have been successfully attained using
-1
5
this method while preserving mechanical flexibility [178,177] .
Integration of design concepts at different scales: from the molecular to the macroscopic
When these concepts are merged hierarchically across various scales, hybrid fiber engineering’s full potential
becomes apparent. Hybrid fibers are able to overcome the performance constraints of separate components
thanks to this cross-scale synergistic design. For example, CNT-VA-GMF [176] combine: (i) π-π interactions
between CNTs and nanosheets at the molecular scale; (ii) ionic transport via nanoscale vertical channels; (iii)
electrolyte permeation via microscale porous structures; and (iv) the macroscale weavability needed for
textile supercapacitors. Function-driven multiscale design is also demonstrated by M PG fibers , which
[177]
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fuse: (i) ionic crosslinking between PEDOT:PSS and GO/MXene; (ii) stretch-induced vertical orientation;
(iii) nanoscale interlayer voids; and (iv) surface-grafted nano-AgI for low-temperature operation.

In conclusion, this area has progressed from empirical blending to multi-level structural engineering that is
rationalized. In order to understand intricate structure-property connections across scales, future efforts will
involve utilizing computational modeling and in situ characterization techniques for predictive design of
interfacial chemistry and hierarchical structures.

CONCLUSIONS AND OUTLOOK
The structure-property correlations, preparation techniques, and new uses in wearable electronics and smart
textiles are the main topics of this paper, which methodically summarizes current developments in soft
conductive fibers based on graphene and MXene. The key to effectively converting these two-dimensional
nanosheets into high-performance macroscopic fibers is to achieve synergistic, cross-scale structural
integration that combines interfacial chemistry, nanoscale orientation, microscale porosity, and macroscale
textile compatibility rather than through isolated optimization of individual properties. According to a
comparative analysis, MXene fibers have exceptional electrochemical activity and flexibility, but they have
limited mechanical strength and oxidative instability. In contrast, GFs have exceptional strength and
conductivity, but they have difficulties with flexibility and textile processability. These trade-offs have been
effectively addressed using hybrid techniques such interfacial bridging, vertical orientation, and core-shell
encapsulation, resulting in fiber materials that balance mechanical, electrical, and electrochemical
capabilities. Going forward, coordinated efforts in intrinsic stability engineering, scalable continuous
manufacturing, and application-oriented standardization are needed to close the ongoing gap between the
inherent perfection of two-dimensional nanosheets and their macroscopic performance in smart textiles. A
new generation of really wearable, long-lasting, and multipurpose smart textiles will eventually emerge as a
result of this convergence.

DECLARATIONS
Authors’ contributions
Literature review, the outline of the manuscript structure, and writing of manuscript draft: Zheng, C.; Miao, J.