Stretchable and transparent electrodes using hybrid structures of graphene-metal nanotrough networks with high performances and ultimate uniformity.

ABSTRACT

Transparent electrodes that can maintain their electrical and optical properties stably against large mechanical deformations are essential in numerous applications of flexible and wearable electronics. In this paper, we report a comprehensive analysis of the electrical, optical, and mechanical properties of hybrid nanostructures based on graphene and metal nanotrough networks as stretchable and transparent electrodes. Compared to the single material of graphene or the nanotrough, the formation of this hybrid can improve the uniformity of sheet resistance significantly, that is, a very low sheet resistance (1 Ω/sq) with a standard deviation of less than ±0.1 Ω/sq, high transparency (91% in the visible light regime), and superb stretchability (80% in tensile strain). The successful demonstration of skin-attachable, flexible, and transparent arrays of oxide semiconductor transistors fabricated using hybrid electrodes suggests substantial promise for the next generation of electronic devices.