SKIN-like TWO-Dimensional materials-based elecTRONICS conformable to rough surfaces

Introduction

The goal of SKIN2DTRONICS is to demonstrate the large scale integration (LSI, transistor count larger than 1000) of soft and thin (skin-like) electronic devices on ultra-flexible substrates, capable of conformally adapting to any rough and curved surface. This vision will be realized by atomically thin two-dimensional materials (2DMs) that possess compelling properties for this application: high electronic performance, environmental stability, low toxicity and cytotoxicity, and extreme resilience to mechanical deformations.

Urgency of Development

With the increasing pressure towards ubiquitous electronics (wearables, Internet-of-Things, smart patches, etc.), it is urgent to develop electronics that can be easily integrated on the surface of everyday objects and, in the case of health monitoring applications, on a variety of rough biological surfaces.

Current Challenges

Today's conformal electronics is mainly based on conformal sensors with flexible and stretchable electrodes interfaced to bulky silicon chips, responsible for processing. This approach is prone to mechanical failures, especially at the solderings, as the connection between the conformal and solid components remains very challenging.

Research Focus

The research will rely on the complementary conjuncture of four fields:

1. Sensors
2. 2D-based electronics
3. Flexible electronics
4. Biomedical engineering

The PIs of the consortium bring expertise in each of these fields and have valuable experience in leading ERC projects.