Graphene as a flexible electronic material: mechanical limitations by defect formation and efforts to overcome

Defects in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) graphene seriously weaken its mechanical properties, and are harmful to other impressive physical properties. In particular, the poor mechanical properties of CVD graphene with defects are one of the most significant obstacles for graphene-based flexible electronics. In this mini-review, the types of defects in CVD graphene generated during the growth and handling stages are first briefly discussed. Then, the fracture behaviors of graphene with such defects are described. In addition, several effective methods for the direct or indirect early detection of those defects present in graphene are summarized. Lastly, recent studies to overcome these mechanical limitations induced by defects are introduced.