Recent Advances in Flexible Transparent Electrodes With Embedded Metal Grids: From Design, Fabrication to Application

Abstract

ABSTRACT Flexible transparent electrodes with embedded metal grids (EMTE) has great potential for applications in flexible displays, energy storage/conversion, wearable electronics, and multi‐functional sensors, etc. Their high electrical conductivity, optical transparency, mechanical flexibility, and optoelectronic integrated performance tunability provide key supports for flexible electronics. However, to achieve large‐area, low‐cost, and high‐precision manufacturing without compromising performance remains a significant challenge. In this review, the latest research progress on EMTE is summarized from three aspects: design, fabrication, and application. Firstly, the material selection, structural design, and flexible substrate adaptation of metal grids are discussed, which are crucial to enhance the electrode performance. Second, the latest advances in the high‐precision fabricating technology of EMTE are presented. In addition, typical application cases in flexible displays, solar cells, and wearable electronics are introduced, demonstrating their excellent performance and wide prospects. Finally, the future direction of EMTE is envisioned for the further development of flexible electronics technology, including material innovation, green manufacturing technology, and standardization process.