The sleekening and thinning down of electronics is a trend that isn't expected to leave any time soon, as miniaturization, seamlessness, and ease of use continue to be driving factors behind the technological developments across a number of industries. IDTechEx's portfolio ofPrinted & Flexible Electronics Research Reports includes a vast array of research topics, including in-mold electronics, perovskite photovoltaics, conductive inks, and flexible batteries.
Lightweighting with IME and photovoltaics
In-mold electronics (IME) may displace some conventional printed circuit boards (PCBs), as components are instead being applied directly onto desired surfaces. IME can provide greater design versatility and reduced weight, whilst also having the capability to be produced at high volumes. IDTechEx's report, "In-Mold Electronics 2025-2035: Forecasts, Technologies, Markets", covers manufacturing techniques and material options, as well as predictions for IME uptake over the next ten years.
As one of the fastest growing renewable energy technologies, photovoltaics is seeing a number of innovations and material developments to widen its scope of applications. Perovskite photovoltaics, with a perovskite active layer that can be deposited as a thin-film, is emerging as a solution to producing photovoltaic technology inexpensively, due to the abundance and low costs of the raw materials needed to synthesize perovskites.
For flexible and low weight applications, such as wireless electronics or grid-free charging for automotives, perovskite PVs are a desirable option. Thin film PV modules are up to 90% lighter than traditional silicon modules, while perovskites, materials with a specific crystal structure, can enhance the efficiency of silicon, according to IDTechEx's research. Self-powered smart electronics that may usually run on batteries could see a switch up in their power approach, allowing for longer lifetimes and increased longevity when compared to the use of batteries. IDTechEx's report, "Perovskite Photovoltaic Market 2025-2035: Technologies, Players & Trends", explores the latest developments within the market and a growing list of applications.
Conductive inks charge and flexibility
Conductive inks can be used across a multitude of sectors. Most commonly, they can be used during the process of IME manufacturing, in photovoltaics to metallize surfaces for charge extraction, and within the wearables sector, for applications such as skin patches.
Conductive inks are known for their thin layer application, low viscosity, and high conductivity, with liquid metal gels being able to produce stretchable inks for applications where flexibility is required, opening up multiple possibilities going forward in the revolutionizing and streamlining of electronics. IDTechEx's report, "Conductive Inks Market 2024-2034: Technologies, Applications, Players", covers pricing, the market readiness of different conductive inks, and key players operating within the sector.
Batteries that can bend
Bendable, flexible batteries are an emerging solution for powering applications such as skin patches, medical implants, and smart labels. For these uses, printed zinc technologies are most common, followed by thin-film solid-state and lithium primary batteries, with their thin form being favored. Thicker batteries, including bulk solid-state and advanced lithium-ion, can also be made flexible by using flexible ceramic and polymer electrolytes. Logistics and wearables are most likely to see uptake of these battery types, according to IDTechEx. "Flexible Batteries Market 2025-2035: Technologies, Forecasts, and Players" is the latest report which outlines some of the main considerations for flexible batteries, including cost, lifetime, energy density, power density, environmental concern, and safety.
For more information, visit IDTechEx's portfolio of Printed & Flexible Electronics Research Reports for a vast array of new technologies that are reshaping the world of electronics.
