Multifunctional Stretchable Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Electronics with Transparent Conductive Silver Nanowire/Biopolymer Hybrid Films

Abstract

Stretchable organic electronics open opportunities for novel applications in next-generation intelligent electronics, such as human-friendly, skin-attachable, and implantable devices. Stretchable transparent electrodes with appropriate electrical, mechanical, and optical properties as well as high conformability to curved surfaces and human skin are key components of wearable and implantable devices. Herein, a silver nanowire (AgNW)-embedded chitosan biopolymer hybrid film is presented as a high-performance stretchable transparent electrode. The introduction of an organic surface modifier and embedding the AgNW network results in remarkably improved adhesion between the nanowires and substrate; consequently, the electrical properties and mechanical performance of the stretchable films are improved simultaneously. The fabricated hybrid films show high transmittance (89.0% at 550 nm), low sheet resistance (8.4 ohm sq(-1)), and limited resistance change under tensile strains. Moreover, these stretchable transparent electrodes with versatile applicability are integrated into multifunctional stretchable electronic devices such as heaters, strain sensors, and light-emitting devices, which show excellent thermal, strain sensing, and light-emitting properties, respectively. In addition, they conform to curved surfaces or human skin and maintain their mechanical robustness. The proposed strategy offers new opportunities for stretchable and biocompatible organic electronics, particularly for skin-attachable, visually imperceptible thermal management devices, strain sensors, and light-emitting devices.