Developments and challenges of shape memory polymers in flexible optoelectronics

Flexible optoelectronics have been well developed due to the flexibility and stretchability. While, new requirements are put forward for the next generation of flexible optoelectronics. Shape memory polymers (SMPs) with controllable shape changing properties and tunable moduli have unique benefits in flexible optoelectronics, which can be utilized as the raw materials or flexible substrates. Shape memory flexible optoelectronics can be not only break through the disadvantages of the traditional rigid inorganic devices, but also can greatly increase the functions and applications. Herein, the sate-of-art progresses of SMP-based flexible optoelectronics, including the SMP substrates, drive methods and basic drive principles as well as the fabrication technologies, are reviewed. Furthermore, this paper elaborates the application of four-dimensional (4D) printing technology in the SMP-based structural electronics. Lastly, the existing problems and further developments of SMP-based flexible optoelectronics are described.