Stretchable active-matrix organic light-emitting diode display using printable elastic conductors

Abstract

Stretchability will significantly expand the applications scope of electronics, particularly for large-area electronic displays, sensors and actuators. Unlike for conventional devices, stretchable electronics can cover arbitrary surfaces and movable parts. However, a large hurdle is the manufacture of large-area highly stretchable electrical wirings with high conductivity. Here, we describe the manufacture of printable elastic conductors comprising single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) uniformly dispersed in a fluorinated rubber. Using an ionic liquid and jet-milling, we produce long and fine SWNT bundles that can form well-developed conducting networks in the rubber. Conductivity of more than 100 S cm(-1) and stretchability of more than 100% are obtained. Making full use of this extraordinary conductivity, we constructed a rubber-like stretchable active-matrix display comprising integrated printed elastic conductors, organic transistors and organic light-emitting diodes. The display could be stretched by 30-50% and spread over a hemisphere without any mechanical or electrical damage.

Three-dimensional nanonetworks for giant stretchability in dielectrics and conductors

“…Th e conductivity remains nearly the same even aft er 10,000 cycles of 90 % strain, thereby demonstrating the mechanical robustness of this system. Th is strategy overcomes major weakness of conventional stretchable conductors, which have a trade-off relationship between stretchability and conductivity 25 .…”

Paper‐Based Electrodes for Flexible Energy Storage Devices

“…Electronic or optoelectronic components on flexible substrates enable novel applications, such as flexible display, electronic textile, artificial electronic skin, distributed sensors, etc 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Whilst various flexible electronics are commercially available nowadays, the development of flexible energy and power sources for these devices is slow 10, 11.…”

Flexible Photodetectors Based on 1D Inorganic Nanostructures

“…Several kinds of innovative flexible electronic devices have been successfully fabricated, such as flexible solar cells, electronic skins, flexible transistors and circuits, flexible light‐emitting diodes (LEDs), flexible batteries. and flexible photodetectors 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15. Photodetectors (PDs) are a kind of electronic sensor for sensing light.…”