Wearing the Sun: How Photovoltaic Fiber Technology Could Revolutionize Vietnam’s Textile Industry and Global Sustainable Energy

Researchers at VinUniversity’s Center for Environmental Intelligence (CEI) are redefining what clothing can do. Led by Dr. Nguyen-Dang Tung, the project “Developing Scalable Fabrication Process of Photovoltaic Fibers and Textiles” transforms ordinary threads into multifunctional, energy-generating fibers using advanced 3D printing and thermal drawing techniques. Hollow fibers house delicate semiconducting layers, with organic semiconductors and high-melting-point metals integrated through an electroplating process, enabling garments to generate electricity simply from sunlight exposure. The implications extend far beyond personal electronics — applications span healthcare wearables, military gear, and smart surfaces. The research carries particular strategic significance for Vietnam: with textile exports exceeding USD 34 billion in the first nine months of 2025 alone, solar textiles could add transformative high-tech value to the sector, positioning Vietnam as a global leader in sustainable, next-generation manufacturing.

Read more at: https://cei.vinuni.edu.vn/blog/from-lab-to-clothing-powering-the-future-with-solar-textiles/