Damage-free non-mechanical transfer strategy for highly transparent, stretchable embedded metallic micromesh electrodes

• Published in: Composites. Part B, Engineering Engineering, 2025-01, Vol.289, p.111934, Article 111934
• Main Authors: Nie, Zeqi, Yan, Wenkai, Han, Xin, Yu, Huihuang, Zhang, Yapeng, Tian, Mengqi, Zhang, Xinyu, Xiong, Yige, Cao, Peng, Zhang, Guanhua
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Embedded metallic micromeshes; Flexible electronics; Non-mechanical transfer strategy; Transparent stretchable electrodes
• ISSN: 1359-8368
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2024.111934

Stretchable, flexible, transparent electrodes garner significant research interest as indispensable components of flexible optoelectronic devices. However, frequent mechanical transfers during processing pose a considerable challenge in preparing electrodes of scalable size with superior performance and intact structure. Herein, we present a stretchable embedded metallic micromesh (SEMM) electrode with high optoelectronic and robust mechanical properties. The SEMM electrode is fabricated via a damage-free non-mechanical transfer strategy with the assistance of a bifunctional metal transition layer that serves as both a seed layer during electrodeposition and a sacrificial layer during stripping of the electrode. Consequently, the SEMM electrode features a scalable size and an intact structure. By optimizing the electrodeposition parameters, the SEMM achieves high optical transmittance (∼83 %) and low sheet resistance (0.22 Ω sq−1), with a figure of merit reaching 8600–53 times greater than that of commercial polyethylene terephthalate-indium tin oxide (PET-ITO). Furthermore, the SEMM exhibits excellent mechanical stability, enduring up to 60 % of tensile strain and maintaining almost constant normalized resistance after 20,000 bending cycles. Based on the SEMM, a transparent film heater yields rapid response time, low operating voltage, and fast defogging capability. This non-mechanical transfer strategy offers a compelling approach for enhancing the structural integrity and scalability of stretchable embedded transparent electrodes. [Display omitted] •A damage-free non-mechanical transfer-assisted strategy is proposed.•Stretchable embedded metallic micromesh electrodes are fabricated.•The electrodes achieve a figure of merit 53 times greater than commercial ITO.•The electrodes endure up to 60 % of tensile strain.•The electrodes maintain constant normalized resistance after 20,000 bending cycles.