Micro- and nanostructured semiconductor materials for flexible and stretchable electronics

With unique properties arising from quantum confinement effects, micro- and nanostructured semiconductors present interesting application opportunities in the burgeoning field of flexible and stretchable electronics. This book chapter first delves into diverse material classes, including inorganic/organic nanostructures, carbon allotropes like laser induced graphene with its tunable bandgap, and 2D semiconductors. A fundamental understanding of the interplay between crystal structure and electrical, mechanical, and optical properties is emphasized for targeted material design. After discussing characterization techniques, assembly methods (transfer printing, tunable adhesion) are reviewed to provide precise manipulation and integration for complex device architectures. The exceptional sensitivity of these materials to strain, pressure, gases, and biomolecules positions them as ideal candidates for next-generation sensors across various fields, from structural health monitoring and environmental sensing to advanced healthcare diagnostics. Additionally, the development of transient electronics with minimal environmental impact is facilitated by elucidating the dissolution theory of these materials. Scalable production, long-term stability, and biocompatibility remain ongoing challenges. However, the potential of micro- and nanostructured semiconductors to revolutionize electronics is undeniable. Their unique properties pave the way for the development of flexible, biocompatible, sustainable, and highly sensitive devices, shaping the future of electronics.