Stretchable\nTransparent Electrodes with Solution-Processed\nRegular Metal Mesh for an Electroluminescent Light-Emitting Film

Abstract

We\nreport stretchable metal-mesh transparent electrodes (TEs) with\nexcellent electrical conductivity (<2 Ω/sq) and optical transparency\n(>80%) under up to 55% strain. The figures of merit on these electrodes,\nas defined as the ratio between electrical conductivity and optical\nconductivity, are among the highest reported for stretchable TEs under\nmoderate stretching. Moreover, we demonstrate their application in\na stretchable electroluminescent (EL) light-emitting film as top and\nbottom electrodes. EL lighting devices require low-resistance electrodes\nto unleash their potential for large-area low-power-consumption applications,\nin which our highly conductive and transparent stretchable TEs provide\nan edge on other competitor approaches. Importantly, our stretchable\nmetal-mesh electrodes are fabricated through a vacuum-free solution-processed\napproach that is scalable for cost-effective mass production. We also\ninvestigate the fracture and fatigue mechanisms of stretchable metal-mesh\nelectrodes with various mesh patterns and observe different behaviors\nunder one-time and cyclic stretching conditions. Our solution-processed\nfabrication method, failure mechanism investigation, and device demonstration\nfor metal-mesh stretchable TEs will facilitate the adoption of this\npromising high-performance approach in stretchable and wearable electronics\napplications.