Researchers at the University of Chicago, led by Assistant Professor Sihong Wang and Professor Juan de Pablo, have pioneered a flexible and stretchable digital display material that efficiently emits fluorescent patterns. This innovative material can stretch over twice its original length while remaining functional, making it ideal for applications in wearable electronics, health sensors, and foldable screens. Unlike traditional OLED technology, which is brittle and lacks stretchability, this new polymer combines bendable molecular chains with efficient light emission properties derived from thermally activated delayed fluorescence. Their research involved developing atomic models predicting material behavior under stress, leading to successful prototypes that meet high efficiency and durability standards. The potential uses for this material extend beyond simple displays; it could be integrated into wearable health monitoring devices and even implantable technologies that utilize light for neuronal control. Wang envisions a future where wearable electronics encompass all essential functions, from sensing to displaying information. The team plans to enhance the material further, introducing more colors and improving overall performance to match existing commercial technologies. Their findings were published in the journal Nature Materials.
