Large-Scale Transparent Electrodes... Wearables Can Bend or Stretch

The research team at KIST developed a large transparent electrode composed of a silver nanowire network. This advancement has enabled the development of stretchable and bendable displays. The photo shows a transparent electrode patterned with the KIST logo.

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] Domestic researchers have succeeded in developing large-sized stretchable transparent electrodes that can bend and stretch. It is expected that using these electrodes will make it possible to develop stretchable displays and smart contact lenses. The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) announced on the 8th the research results of Dr. Sangsoo Lee and Dr. Jeonggon Son's team at the Photovoltaic Hybrid Research Center.

Development of Large Transparent Electrodes

Schematic images and electron microscope photos of structures formed on elastic substrates coated with silver nanowires using the conventional pre-stretching method, comparing cases with and without solvent contact.

The research team developed a technology to fabricate silver nanowire electrodes on a large area exceeding the size of A4 paper. In particular, these electrodes secured high transparency, stretchability, and electrical conductivity. The team achieved stretchability, which was not possible in existing transparent electrodes, by inserting a solvent between the silver nanowire network and the substrate. Nanowires soaked in the solvent experience reduced friction resistance, enabling stable stretchability together with the substrate.

The team reported that the silver nanowire network film developed by this method stretched about 50% more than the existing size and maintained stable transparency and conductivity even after more than 5,000 repeated stretching cycles. They also explained that environmentally friendly processes are possible by using materials such as water and alcohol as solvents.

Furthermore, the team applied this technology to form a silver nanowire network film on an A4-sized substrate. This marks the successful enlargement of transparent electrodes. Using this film, the team implemented a stretchable transparent display about the size of an adult palm, which maintained consistent luminous efficiency even under various mechanical deformations.

Various Wearable Applications Including Smart Contact Lenses

The research team expects that this technology can be applied to flexible devices, which are anticipated to become mainstream portable electronic devices in the future.

Dr. Sangsoo Lee of KIST introduced, "The stretchable transparent electrode fabrication technology using bent silver nanowires developed in this study has the characteristic that electrical conductivity does not change under any deformation."

Dr. Jeonggon Son of KIST stated, "Since this can also be used in large-area mass production processes, it is expected to bring new ripple effects to the wearable electronics industry, including high-function smart wearables, and the medical device field."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.