Electrospun nanofiber-based soft electronics

Electrospun nanofibers have received considerable attention in the field of soft electronics owing to their promising advantages and superior properties in flexibility and/or stretchability, conductivity, and transparency; furthermore, their one-dimensional nanostructure, high surface area, and diverse fibrous morphologies are also desirable. Herein, we provide an overview of electrospun nanofiber-based soft electronics. A brief introduction of the unique structure and properties of electrospun nanofiber materials is provided, and assembly strategies for flexible/stretchable electronics are highlighted. We then summarize the latest progress in the design and fabrication of representative flexible/stretchable electronic devices utilizing electrospun nanofibers, such as flexible/stretchable conductors, sensors, energy harvesting and storage devices, and transistors. Finally, a conclusion and several future research directions for electrospun nanofiber-based soft electronics are proposed. The development of low-cost, efficient, and large-scale methods for fabricating ‘soft’ electronics, conducting materials with improved flexibility and stretchability, increases the range of possible applications. Flexible electronics are useful for foldable displays, healthcare monitoring, artificial skins and implantable bioelectronics. One approach to fabricating these devices is to construct them from conductive nanofibers. Takao Someya from the University of Tokyo and colleagues review recent advances in constructing nanofiber-based soft electronics using a technique called electrospinning. Electrospinning works by drawing a molten material through a nozzle into an electric field to produce strands much finer than a human hair. The authors review the structure and properties of electrospun nanofiber materials and the various strategies for assembling flexible and stretchable electronic devices such as sensors, transistors, and components for energy harvesting and storage. This review introduce the structure and properties of electrospun nanofiber materials and the various strategies for assembling soft electronic devices such as sensors, transistors, and components for energy harvesting and storage.