Advancements in Electronic Materials and Devices for Stretchable Displays

Abstract

A stretchable display would be the ultimate form factor for the next generation of displays beyond the curved and foldable configurations that have enabled the commercialization of deformable electronic applications. However, because conventional active devices are very brittle and vulnerable to mechanical deformation, appropriate strategies must be developed from the material and structural points of view to achieve the desired mechanical stretchability without compromising electrical properties. In this regard, remarkable findings and achievements in stretchable active materials, geometrical designs, and integration enabling technologies for various types of stretchable electronic elements have been actively reported. This review covers the recent developments in advanced materials and feasible strategies for the realization of stretchable electronic devices for stretchable displays. In particular, representative strain-engineering technologies for stretchable substrates, electrodes, and active devices are introduced. Various state-of-the-art stretchable active devices such as thin-film transistors and electroluminescent devices that consist of stretchable matrix displays are also presented. Finally, the future perspectives and challenges for stretchable active displays are discussed.