Recent advances in nanofiber-based flexible transparent electrodes

Abstract Flexible and stretchable transparent electrodes are widely used in smart display, energy, wearable devices and other fields. Due to the limitations of flexibility and stretchability of indium tin oxide electrodes, alternative electrodes have appeared, such as metal films, metal nanowires, and conductive meshes. However, few of the above electrodes can simultaneously have excellent flexibility, stretchability, and optoelectronic properties. Nanofiber (NF), a continuous ultra-long one-dimensional conductive material, is considered to be one of the ideal materials for high-performance transparent electrodes with excellent properties due to its unique structure. This paper summarizes the important research progress of NF flexible transparent electrodes (FTEs) in recent years from the aspects of NF electrode materials, preparation technology and application. First, the unique advantages and limitations of various NF materials are systematically discussed. Then, we summarize the preparation technology of various advanced NF FTEs, and point out the future development trend. We also discuss the application of NFs in solar cells, supercapacitors, electric heating equipments, sensors, etc, and analyze its development potential in flexible electronic equipment, as well as problems that need to be solved. Finally, the challenges and future development trends are proposed in the wide application of NF FTEs in the field of flexible optoelectronics.