Stretchable transparent electrodes based on metal grid hybrids for skin-like multimodal sensing and flexible touch panel

Abstract

The rapidly growing field of intelligent wearable optoelectronics demands the creation of stretchable transparent electrodes (STEs) that combine exceptional optoelectronic performance, outstanding mechanical stretchability, and advanced sensing capabilities. Nevertheless, achieving these attributes simultaneously is challenging because of the inevitable deterioration of electrical and sensing properties caused by delamination and fracturing of conductive materials during stretching. Herein, a novel type of STEs has been developed using interlocking metal grid hybrids, achieved through interface modification assisted transfer of the inkjet printed serpentine metal grids into elastic substrates. The STEs simultaneously exhibit outstanding optoelectronic performance (T: 84.8 %, R_s: 29.9 Ω sq⁻¹), excellent mechanical stretchability and multiperceptivity. As an effective means to visualize the stress distribution, finite element analysis (FEA) has been developed to thoroughly elucidate the intrinsic stretching mechanisms. This exceptional performance allows the STEs to serve as flexible touch panels and wireless skin-like sensors for multimodal sensing, including temperature monitoring and biophysical signal acquisition, paving the way for future flexible wearable electronics.