Abstract
The next-generation stretchable displays require a new class of multifunctional electrode materials that simultaneously attain high elasticity, reliable tensile stability, and superior electrical conductivity. Despite their outstanding electrical conductivity, conventional metal thin-films often suffer from limited elasticity, typically less than 1%. Conversely, amorphous alloys offer exceptional elasticity, but their electrical resistivities do not meet industrial requirements. In this work, we propose metallic nanolaminates composed of alternately-stacked Al-based amorphous alloys and nanocrystalline elemental Al layers as a novel kind of electrode material suitable for stretchable displays. These materials are designed to synergistically combine the mechanical properties of amorphous alloys with the electrical properties of crystalline Al, and can be synthesized using currently available mass production fabrication facilities. Through in-situ scanning electron microscopy nano-tension experiments, we demonstrate the nanolaminate samples achieve a unique combination of a high elastic limit approaching 3%, large tensile elongation exceeding 17%, and excellent electrical resistivity lower than 10 µΩ·cm.