Direct Growth of Graphene on Flexible Substrates Towards Flexible Electronics: A Promising Perspective

Abstract: Graphene has recently been attracting considerable interest because of its exceptional conductivity, mechanical strength, thermal stability, etc. Graphene-based devices exhibit high potential for applications in flexible electronics, optoelectronics, and energy harvesting. In this paper, we review various growth strategies including metal-catalyzed transfer-free growth and direct-growth of graphene on flexible insulating substrates which are major issues for avoiding the complicated transfer process that cause graphene defects, residues, tears and performance degradation of its functional devices. Recent advances in practical applications based on direct-grown graphene are discussed. Finally, several important directions, challenges and perspectives in the commercialization of direct growth of graphene are also discussed and addressed.