Ionic Gels and Their Applications in Stretchable Electronics

Abstract

Ionic gels represent a novel class of stretchable materials where ionic conducting liquid is immobilized in a polymer matrix. This review focuses on the design of ionic gel materials and device fabrication of ionic-gel-based stretchable electronics. In particular, recent progress in ionic-gel-based electronic skin (pressure/strain sensors, electric double-layer transistors, etc.), flexible displays, energy storage devices, and soft actuators are summarized, followed by a discussion of challenges in developing ionic-gel-based electronics and suggestions for future research directions that might overcome those challenges.