Emerging applications of metal-oxide thin films for flexible and stretchable electronic devices

The increasing need for intimate contact between electronics and the human skin requires the development of devices that can conform and adapt to the skin. Compared to metallic/carbon/polymeric materials, metal-oxide devices show multi-stimuli sensory capabilities and advanced performance. Combining the performance and versatility of metal-oxide devices with flexible and stretchable polymeric substrates could create an array of next-generation devices, which are highly functional for various applications. This review covers design principles and fabrication techniques for achieving metal-oxide thin films including thin films based on nanowires, nanoparticles, and nanofibers on flexible and stretchable substrates, in terms of the materials, process, and structural engineering methods. Various multifunctional and emerging applications of metal oxides for flexible and stretchable devices are introduced and discussed. Finally, the current challenges, possible solutions, outlook, and the research gaps to be addressed are discussed.