Anisotropic nanostructured materials based on graphene and two-dimensional materials for flexible and wearable electronics

Wearable technology has revolutionised the way we monitor our health. Smart phones, watches and other dedicated devices have enabled continual monitoring of our heart rate, blood oxygen levels, respiration rate and movement. Current product models rely on traditional electronic components which can render the product slab-like, rigid and user-intrusive. The intrusiveness of wearables is attributed to their size and inflexibility. Overall product size is directly related to the configuration and size of the internal components. The miniaturisation of electrical components has allowed for smaller and faster electronic devices to be produced by reducing the size and point-to-point distance between components.

However, new methods must be obtained to address factors concerning the heat generated from dense miniaturised components and how it can be effectively dissipated. Ineffective heat dissipation can impede component efficiency and performance within the circuit. Materials currently used in circuitry are particularly susceptible to inadequate heat dissipation due to their composition and physical limitations. New materials with excellent electrical and thermal conductivity are essential for the development of next generation devices. These materials should effectively dissipate heat while restricting transference to adjacent components.

The use of two-dimensional, conductive, nanostructured materials presents an opportunity to the wearable technology industry to create seamlessly integrated health products. This can be achieved through the implementation of innovative component manufacture using current technologies. Graphene is emerging as popular material for use in electrical components due to its flexibility and its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. Conductive nanostructures have the capability of creating easily recyclable, high performance, low power, flexible, miniaturised circuitry that can be used to develop the next generation of wearable technology.