About this Research Topic
The investigation of materials and processes for obtaining flexible and stretchable conductors has been driven by both scientific curiosity and technological needs. Recently it has been boosted by the requirements of novel applications in the fields of flexible/stretchable electronics, wearable sensors/devices, biointerfaces, soft robotics and energy harvesting devices. In principle, an optimal material system would combine the mechanical properties of a typical soft polymer (e.g. an elastomer) with the electrical properties of a purely ohmic metallic conductor. While the combination of these properties into a single material is very challenging (if not impossible), several research efforts are underway to realize materials systems having at least some of the combined electrical/mechanical features. Moreover, additional properties such as responsivity to external stimuli or tailored surface properties (e.g. wettability, adhesion, chemical functionalization) are sought after in multi-functional materials for this application.
This Research Topic aims to discuss the recent advances in flexible/stretchable/conformable conductive materials for applications in electronics, sensing, robotics and biomedicine, including biochemical sensing. It will cover novel research trends in both advancing the fundamental knowledge of materials and the development of technology and applications.
Potential subjects include, but are not limited to:
· novel synthesis and characterization methods of soft/stretchable conductive materials
· emerging technologies for fabrication of soft conductive materials: printing, additive manufacturing, laser-assisted processes
· applications of soft conductive materials for human health monitoring, epidermal electronics, wearable biosensors and biodiagnostic devices
· electro-active polymers for soft actuators and transducers
· printed organic bioelectronics
· multi-functional, hybrid, responsive soft materials for sensing and actuation
· biomimetic approaches to soft material systems
This Research Topic is open to the following Article Types: Original Research, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, Perspectives
Keywords: flexible electronics, wearable sensors, conductive materials, biochemical sensors, soft biorobotics
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
