Boosting flexible electronics with integration of two-dimensional materials

Abstract

Flexible electronics has emerged as a continuously growing field of study. Two-dimensional (2D) materials often act as conductors and electrodes in electronic devices, holding significant promise in the design of high-performance, flexible electronics. Numerous studies have focused on harnessing the potential of these materials for the development of such devices. However, to date, the incorporation of 2D materials in flexible electronics has rarely been summarized or reviewed. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop comprehensive reviews for rapid updates on this evolving landscape. This review covers progress in complex material architectures based on 2D materials, including interfaces, heterostructures, and 2D/polymer composites. Additionally, it explores flexible and wearable energy storage and conversion, display and touch technologies, and biomedical applications, together with integrated design solutions. Although the pursuit of high-performance and high-sensitivity instruments remains a primary objective, the integrated design of flexible electronics with 2D materials also warrants consideration. By combining multiple functionalities into a singular device, augmented by machine learning and algorithms, we can potentially surpass the performance of existing wearable technologies. Finally, we briefly discuss the future trajectory of this burgeoning field. This review discusses the recent advancements in flexible sensors made from 2D materials and their applications in integrated architecture and device design.