Ultrastretchable Transparent Electrodes of Liquid Metal Serpentine Micromeshes

Abstract

Stretchable transparent electrodes are crucial components for deformable electronics. While solid-state electrodes struggle to achieve significant stretchability, liquid metal electrodes have emerged as a potential alternative. However, their widespread application has been limited by their complex fabrication and reduced performance when stretched. This study introduces stretchable transparent electrodes composed of liquid metal in serpentine micromesh patterns. These electrodes are constructed cost-effectively to show high optical transmittance and low sheet resistance. They can endure 800% strain with limited variations in resistance due to the serpentine design. A transparent proximity and touch sensor is combined with soft pneumatic actuators to enable a deformable haptic interface. Additionally, transparent heaters are prepared to conform to the curvilinear body surface, allowing for thermotherapy on subcutaneous tumors while concurrently monitoring the skin’s responses. Liquid metal serpentine micromeshes represent promising transparent electrodes for stretchable devices and systems.