Materials and devices for transparent stretchable electronics

Abstract

The development of transparent and stretchable (TS) electronics can enable a plethora of new applications such as TS integrated circuits, displays and sensors where high levels of both optical transparency and stretchability are required for conformal placement of devices on the human body or any arbitrary surface. Over the past decade, there has been enormous progress in the development of new materials, novel structural engineering, and smart fabrication processes for TS electronic devices including TS sensors, field-effect transistors, optoelectronic components, nanogenerators, supercapacitors, and heaters. TS electronic devices can be made by geometric engineering of traditional transparent and flexible electronic materials or developing new materials that are intrinsically transparent and stretchable. Herein, we review recent advances in TS electronic materials (such as conductors, semiconductors, and insulators) and TS electronic devices. Some representative examples that highlight the unique optical, electrical and mechanical properties of TS materials and devices are also discussed in detail. Conclusions and future prospects for the development of TS electronic devices are discussed in the final section.