Covalent Adaptable Networks for Sustainable Soft Electronic Sensors and Actuators

The flexible electronics market is rapidly growing, driven by demand in the healthcare, automotive, and consumer industries. While these technologies enhance the daily lives, the electronic waste (e-waste) generated in tandem poses significant environmental challenges. Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) are crosslinked polymers bearing dynamic covalent bonds (DCBs). These exchangeable bonds endow CANs not only with the high mechanical and chemical stability of thermosets but also with the stimuli-activated reprocessability of thermoplastics. CAN-derived electronics offer a solution to alleviate e-waste generation since the DCBs allow for the self-healing and recycling of these devices. Additionally, the ability of CANs to respond to stimuli is highly desirable for smart materials, especially flexible electronics. In this review, how CANs play the role of conformable substrates and dielectrics, and also as flexible electronic connectors, sensors, and actuators is comprehensively cataloged. Furthermore, the advantages gained by utilizing CANs in electronic sensors and actuators is highlighted, as well as provide the insights into design strategies to address the challenges of creating high-performance sustainable soft electronics.