Transparent electrodes that can remain electrically conductive and stable under large mechanical deformations are highly desirable for applications in flexible and wearable electronics. This paper describes a comprehensive study of the electrical, optical, and mechanical properties of hybrid nanostructures based on two-dimensional graphene and networks of one-dimensional metal nanowires, and their use as transparent and stretchable electrodes. Low sheet resistance (33 Ω/sq) with high transmittance (94% in visible range), robust stability against electric breakdown and oxidation, and superb flexibility (27% in bending strain) and stretchability (100% in tensile strain) are observed, and these multiple functionalities of the hybrid structures suggest a future promise for next generation electronics. The use of hybrid electrodes to fabricate oxide semiconductor transistors and single-pixel displays integrated on wearable soft contact lenses with in vivo tests are demonstrated.

Here we report an unconventional approach for the single-step synthesis of monolithically integrated electronic devices based on multidimensional carbon structures. Integrated arrays of field-effect transistors and sensors composed of carbon nanotube channels and graphitic electrodes and interconnects were formed directly from the synthesis. These fully integrated, all-carbon devices are highly flexible and can be transferred onto both planar and nonplanar substrates, including papers, clothes, and fingernails. Furthermore, the sensor network can be interfaced with inherent life forms in nature for monitoring environmental conditions. Examples of significant applications are the integration of the devices to live plants or insects for real-time, wireless sensing of toxic gases.