Recent Advances in Materials, Designs and Applications of Skin Electronics

As electronic devices get smaller, more portable, and smarter, a new approach of realizing electronics in thin, soft, and even stretchable style that could be worn and attached to the skin, which is called skin electronics, has emerged and attracted much attention. To achieve well compliance, extend the maximum stretchability, promote the comfortability of wearing, and make the most use of the skin electronics, researchers are making efforts in different aspects. In this review, we summarized the recent advances in categories of materials science, design strategies and novel applications. Examples of skin electronics using various functional materials including piezoelectric, thermoelectric, etc., and soft conductive materials including PEDOT: PSS-based conductive polymer, carbon nanomaterials, metal-based materials and hydrogels were given. Different mechanics design strategies for enhancing mechanical performance and comfortability design strategies for better wearing experience were introduced. Lastly, practical applications of skin electronics in fields of smart healthcare and human-machine interface were discussed. Research focused on these aspects all boosted the development of skin electronics in different dimensions, with which combined together may help skin electronics take a leap into truly ubiquitous use in our daily life.