Stretchable complementary integrated electronics based on elastic dual-type transistors

Abstract

Complementary integrated circuits in an elastic format are essential for systems toward emerging applications in wearable health monitors, soft robotics, and implantable medical devices. However, their development is very nascent, largely owing to the imbalance of p- and n-type elastic transistors. Here, we report fully stretchable complementary integrated electronics combining elastic n-type transistors based on metallic carbon nanotube (CNT)-oped poly{[N,N '-bis(2-octyldodecyl)-naphthalene-1,4,5,8-bis(dicarboximide)-2,6-diyl]-alt-5,5 '-(2,2 '-bithiophene)} with p-type transistors using semiconducting CNT networks. The layered elastomer-semiconductor-elastomer architecture provides both type transistors with stable, well-matched electrical characteristics up to 50% strain. Using these components, we demonstrate stretchable digital logic gates-including inverters, NAND, and NOR-which retain function under large strain. As a system-level demonstration, a complementary inverter active matrix integrated with a single-electrode triboelectric nanogenerator array realizes a stretchable tactile sensing skin. The stretchable complementary integrated electronics demonstrated here hold promise in many fields, particularly these require seamless integration with dynamic living systems.