Inkjet printing wearable electronic devices

Abstract

In recent years, wearable electronics have experienced tremendous development due to their promising applications in fields such as portable, flexible/stretchable human-interactive sensors, displays, and energy devices. To effectively fabricate wearable electronics, a high-efficient, cost-saving, and eco-friendly manufacture technology is required. Inkjet printing, which rapidly, precisely, and reproducibly deposits a broad variety of functional materials in a non-impact, addictive patterning, and maskless approach, serves as an effective tool for the fabrication of wearable electronics. In this review, the recent advances in inks, strategies, and the applications of inkjet-printed wearable electronics are summarized. Based on uniform and high-resolution patterns, well-compatible functional inks can be deposited to fabricate flexible/stretchable and durable wearable electronics. Perspectives on the remaining challenges and future developments are also proposed.