Applications of flexible and stretchable three-dimensional structures for soft electronics

Abstract

The development of devices that can be mechanically deformed in geometrical layouts, such as flexible/stretchable devices, is important for various applications. Conventional flexible/stretchable devices have been demonstrated using two-dimensional (2D) geometry, resulting in dimensional constraints on device operations and functionality limitations. Accordingly, expanding the dimensions in which such devices can operate and acquiring unique functionality that is difficult to implement in 2D planar structures remain challenging. As a solution, the development of a flexible/stretchable device embedding a three-dimensional (3D) structure fabricated through the precise control of a 2D structure or direct construction has been attracting significant attention. Because of a significant amount of effort, several 3D material systems with distinctive engineering properties, including electrical, optical, thermal, and mechanical properties, which are difficult to occur in nature or to obtain in usual 2D material systems, have been demonstrated. Furthermore, 3D advanced material systems with flexibility and stretchability can provide additional options for developing devices with various form factors. In this review, novel fabrication methods and unprecedented physical properties of flexible/stretchable 3D material systems are reviewed through multiple application cases. In addition, we summarized the latest advances and trends in innovative applications implemented through the introduction of advanced 3D systems in various fields, including microelectromechanical systems, optoelectronics, energy devices, biomedical devices, sensors, actuators, metamaterials, and microfluidic systems.

Actuation for flexible and stretchable microdevices

“…Over the past decades, device miniaturisation, flexibility, and stretchability have received increasing attention to enhance portability and wearability, overcome dimensional constraints and functionality limitations, improve conformability on complex and curved body surfaces, and achieve long-term stability and reliability. 1 These superior properties can enable broad applications of flexible and stretchable microdevices on electronic skin, 2 smart fabric, 3 wearable energy harvesters, 4 wireless communication devices, 5 emerging displays, 6 etc. Flexible and stretchable microdevices consist of highly deformable structures capable of precise micro and millimetre scale deformation.…”

Electronic Upcycling of Corn Straw: Biobased Elastic Conductive Cross-linked Network Eco-friendly Hydrogels with multifunction for Flexible Wearable Sensors

“…In recent years, flexible electronics have emerged as cutting-edge products that break the barriers of traditional rigid electronic devices, due to the rapid development of materials science, electronic technology, and various cross-fields. 1,2,3 As flexible devices can be applied not only on two-dimensional planes but also on more complex three-dimensional surfaces, 4,5 the excellent shape conformability and wide range of applications make it widely used in fields such as flexible displays, 6,7,8 energy management systems, 9,10,11 medical health testing, 12,13,14 wearable devices, 15,16,17 and other fields.…”

Tuning Ag+ and Mn2+ doping in ZnS:Ag,Mn embedded polymers for flexible white light emitting films

“…In cell phones and other mobile devices, flexible electronics contribute to sleeker and more durable designs. Furthermore, they play a pivotal role in communications by enabling compact, high-performance antennas and sensors, such as flexible piezoelectric generators and electronics, for wearable health monitoring [1,2] . They represent a promising frontier in the evolution of electronic devices, enabling new possibilities for design and user experience [3][4][5] .…”