Electrical performance optimization of serpentine interconnect for stretchable electronics

Abstract

Abstract Stretchable electronics have a wide range of potential applications in healthcare monitoring and human–machine interactions due to their softness, stretchability, and conformability. Serpentine interconnects integrating with inorganic functional materials play an important role in high-performance stretchable electronics. A lot of research has focused on how to improve the stretchability of flexible electronic devices, while ignoring the intrinsic electrical properties of serpentine wires. In this manuscript, the electrical performance of serpentine interconnects is investigated experimentally. Various structural forms of serpentine interconnects are prepared by photolithography and transfer printing techniques. The electrical properties of serpentine interconnects during stretching are systematically studied and summarized. Besides, a breathable substrate with good biocompatibility and stretchability is used. Based on these studies and the optimization of the design layout, we can guide the selection of wire structures or sensor structures in flexible electronics.