Bright Stretchable Electroluminescent Devices based on Silver Nanowire Electrodes and High-k Thermoplastic Elastomers

Stretchable electroluminescent device is a compliant form of light-emitting device to expand the application areas of conventional optoelectronics on rigid wafers. Currently, practical implementations are impeded by the high operating voltage required to achieve sufficient brightness. In this study, we report the fabrication of an intrinsically stretchable electroluminescent device based on silver nanowire electrodes and high-k thermoplastic elastomers. The device exhibits a bright emission with a low driving voltage by using polar elastomer as a dielectric matrix of the electroluminescent layer. Highly stretchable silver nanowire electrodes contribute to the exceptional elasticity and durability of the device in spite of bending, stretching, twisting, puncturing, and cutting. Stretchable electroluminescent devices developed here may find potential uses in wearable displays, deformable lightings, and soft robotics.