Stretchable and transparent electrodes based on in-plane structures

Abstract

Stretchable electronics has attracted great interest with compelling potential applications that require reliable operation under mechanical deformation. Achieving stretchability in devices, however, requires a deeper understanding of nanoscale materials and mechanics beyond the success of flexible electronics. In this regard, tremendous research efforts have been dedicated toward developing stretchable electrodes, which are one of the most important building blocks for stretchable electronics. Stretchable transparent thin-film electrodes, which retain their electrical conductivity and optical transparency under mechanical deformation, are particularly important for the favourable application of stretchable devices. This minireview summarizes recent advances in stretchable transparent thin-film electrodes, especially employing strategies based on in-plane structures. Various approaches using metal nanomaterials, carbon nanomaterials, and their hybrids are described in terms of preparation processes and their optoelectronic/mechanical properties. Some challenges and perspectives for further advances in stretchable transparent electrodes are also discussed.

Hybrid crystalline-ITO/metal nanowire mesh transparent electrodes and their application for highly flexible perovskite solar cells

“…[1][2][3][4][5] Indium tin oxide (ITO) has unambiguously been the most widely used TCE material because of its optical transparency, thermal/chemical stability and device compatibility, coupled with its well-established fabrication processes. 6,7 However, the brittle nature of ITO might limit its role in future devices.…”

Synthesis of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Polyborosiloxane Nanocomposites with Mechanically Adaptive and Self-Healing Capabilities for Flexible Conductors

“…7,22 Similarly, flexible conductors play an important role in the emerging fields, such as prosthetics, soft robotics, stretchable displays and human machine interfaces. [23][24][25] The flexibility of existing flexible electrodes is mainly determined by the electrically conductive materials and their assembly on elastomeric substrates. 26 During repeated distortions, particularly under lager deformations, some irreversibly mechanical damages are inevitable in conventional conductive materials because of their high rigidity.…”

Nanomaterial-based stretchable and transparent electrodes

“…Another strategy is to blend conducting ions with stretchable transparent elastomers or hydrogels [92,93]. These approaches are well described in the previous literature [8][9][10].…”

“…Transparent electrodes are particularly important for optoelectronic devices such as organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and organic photovoltaics. Accordingly, transparent electrodes with a stretchable form factor have been extensively studied for the realization of stretchable electronics [8][9][10]. As the conventional metals or transparent conductive oxides (e.g.…”