Silver Nanowires: From Scalable Synthesis to Recyclable Foldable Electronics

There is currently an urgent need for electronic devices with superior performance, robustness, smaller size, lower cost, user friendliness, and that do not increase the environmental burden. [ 1 , 2 ] Many materials scientists and engineers have been searching for novel fl exible semiconductive materials as integrated circuits (ICs) to achieve the properties of both fl exibility and stretchability. [ 3– 8 ] Meanwhile, other researchers focus on the substrate materials that cater to the “chip-on-fl ex technologies”, which are in a position of more imperative need in the current industry and consumer market. [ 1 , 9– 11 ] Recently, Siegel et al. demonstrated the feasibility of fabricating electrical circuits on paper for the purpose of foldable and disposable devices, which displays a promising future for the low-cost consumable electronic devices. [ 12 ] Compared to the conventional printed circuit board (PCB) technology, paper offers a few advantages. For example, paper is inexpensive and can decompose easily; it is much thinner than the ordinary PCBs and can be folded, unfolded, and creased easily; electronics based on paper can be stored in smaller spaces or made to form 3D self-standing structures. [ 12 , 13 ] Finally, with the porous and breathable nature, paper can potentially be applied in disposable components for adhesives and clinical diagnosis, such as being combined with portable analytical devices. [ 14 , 15 ] However, because ordinary