Development of nanomaterials in flexible electronics

Abstract

Flexible electronics, with its excellent flexibility, leading-edge and lightweight, has become a frontier technology capability in the field of electronics, which integrates well with the characteristics of nanomaterials for applications in various disciplines such as sensors, information, medical, and energy. This paper systematically summarizes the main structures of flexible electronics featuring flexible substrates with their outstanding flexibility as well as mechanical and electrical properties. Afterwards, it delves into the four major properties of nanomaterials along with their extensive applications aboard flexible electronics. In particular, the development applications of carbon nanotube films in sensors and electronic devices by means of their great flexibility and electrical conductivity are mainly outlined. Then the practical applications of graphene in the domain of electronic displayer through its superior heat dissipation are introduced. In the final part, an exploration is made on how the advantages of flexible electronics and nanomaterials can be further used in frontier fields such as aerospace, smart medicine, and automated science if we combine them more effectively. However, as an emerging field, the development process of flexible electronics is still fraught with challenges. Two major challenges are still facing the field: mechanics, packaging, and cost. There is a long way to go for flexible electronics combined with nanomaterials, which can open numerous possibilities for electronic technology.