Advancements in Flexible Electronics Fabrication: Film Formation, Patterning, and Interface Optimization for Cutting-Edge Healthcare Monitoring Devices

• Published in: ACS applied materials & interfaces 2024-10, Vol.16 (41), p.54976-55010
• Main Authors: Han, Xu, Lin, Xinjing, Sun, Yifei, Huang, Lingling, Huo, Fengwei, Xie, Ruijie
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1944-8244; 1944-8252; 1944-8252
• DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c11976

Flexible electronics can seamlessly adhere to human skin or internal tissues, enabling the collection of physiological data and real-time vital sign monitoring in home settings, which give it the potential to revolutionize chronic disease management and mitigate mortality rates associated with sudden illnesses, thereby transforming current medical practices. However, the development of flexible electronic devices still faces several challenges, including issues pertaining to material selection, limited functionality, and performance instability. Among these challenges, the choice of appropriate materials, as well as their methods for film formation and patterning, lays the groundwork for versatile device development. Establishing stable interfaces, both internally within the device and in human–machine interactions, is essential for ensuring efficient, accurate, and long-term monitoring in health electronics. This review aims to provide an overview of critical fabrication steps and interface optimization strategies in the realm of flexible health electronics. Specifically, we discuss common thin film processing methods, patterning techniques for functional layers, interface challenges, and potential adjustment strategies. The objective is to synthesize recent advancements and serve as a reference for the development of innovative flexible health monitoring devices.