Korean Scientists Develop Stretchable, Transparent Graphene Based “Electronic Skin”

It can realize the electronic skin than can be used as displays, electronic circuits or sensors. (image: UNIST)

SEOUL, Oct. 22 (Korea Bizwire) – A Korean research team succeeded in developing stretchable and transparent electrodes using hybrid structures of graphene–metal nanotrough networks which show high performances and ultimate uniformity even when it is folded in half or is pulled.

The research team comprised of Park Jang-ung, professor at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Bae Byeong-Soo, professor at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Chu Hye-yong, director at the Components and Materials Research Laboratory of the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute and others developed the technology that can be used in numerous applications of flexible and wearable electronics.

With the technology, the research team said that it became able to develop electronic circuits easily attachable to skin, glass and leaves by using the stretchable and transparent electrodes. Also it can realize the electronic skin than can be used as displays, electronic circuits or sensors.

Compared to the single material of graphene or the nanotrough, the formation of this hybrid can improve the uniformity of sheet resistance significantly, that is, a very low sheet resistance (1 Ω/sq) with a standard deviation of less than ±0.1 Ω/sq, high transparency (91% in the visible light regime), and superb stretchability (80% in tensile strain).

Professor Park of UNIST said, “In the existing electronic skin and electronic tattoo studies, there were problems that they showed the gritty electronic circuits and patterns. The electronic skin through this technology is made of transparent materials, so it can be practically used in any place.”

Meanwhile, the research result was posted on October 20 on the website of the “Nano Letters,” one of the most prestigious journals in nanotechnology.

By John Choi (johnchoi@koreabizwire.com)