Transparent paper: fabrications, properties, and device applications

TLDR

Paper electronics has been limited by surface roughness and opacity, but recent transparent paper with nanoscale roughness has renewed interest in renewable cellulose substrates for electronics and optoelectronics. This review summarizes recent progress, properties, functionalization, proof‑of‑concept achievements, advantages, and challenges of transparent paper electronics. The authors examine transparent paper electronics through structure engineering, functionalization, and roll‑to‑roll printing approaches.

Abstract

Although paper electronics is a compelling concept, the large surface roughness and opaqueness of most paper substrates has hindered its development from a dormant idea to a thriving technology. A recent demonstration of transparent paper with nanoscale surface roughness has revived an interest in using renewable cellulose substrates for electronics and optoelectronics. In this short review, we will first summarize the recent progress of transparent paper electronics through structure engineering. We will also discuss the properties and functionalization of transparent paper, such as surface roughness, printability, thermal stability, etc. Finally, we will summarize the recent achievements on proof-of-concepts of transparent paper, which pave the way for next-generation green electronics fabricated with roll-to-roll printing methods. Advantages of transparent paper over traditional flexible plastic substrates and its challenges will also be discussed.