Auxeticity‐by‐Assembly: Interlocking Modular Auxetic Metamaterials with Selectively Activatable AgNW–Graphene Oxide‐EGaIn Composite Interconnects for Scalable Freeform Photovoltaic Modules

ABSTRACT Standardization remains a key bottleneck for scaling freeform photovoltaics beyond bespoke, cut‐defined layouts, particularly when electrical interconnection must survive repeated deformation at joint hotspots. Here we introduce Auxeticity‐by‐Assembly—an interlocking modular auxetic metamaterial that generates reconfigurable freeform photovoltaic (PV) modules by repeating a standardized interlocking unit and choosing the assembly topology. The unit integrates rigid tiles for device mounting with compliant hinges and locking hinge joints, and incorporates a folding‐enabled interconnector that routes current from perovskite mini‐modules to hinge interconnect regions while mitigating strain at contacts. To wire the mechanically active joints, we develop selectively activatable AgNW–GO–EGaIn composite interconnects that combine partially embedded Ag nanowires for adhesion with graphene oxide–coated EGaIn liquid‐metal particles (GO@EGaIn LMPs) for mechanically or laser‐rupture‐activated conduction. The interconnects enable on‐demand patterning and maintain conductivity under folding and large tensile deformation. A 5 × 5 perovskite platform reaches a decimeter‐scale footprint (∼900 cm 2 ), conformally deploys on dome‐like surfaces, and preserves photovoltaic I – V characteristics over repeated expansion–contraction cycles. Auxeticity‐by‐Assembly provides a scalable, standardized route to deployable freeform PV and other reconfigurable electronic skins.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Functional Materials
Published
2026-03-11
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202532205
Primary Topic
Advanced Materials and Mechanics
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Auxeticity‐by‐Assembly: Interlocking Modular Auxetic Metamaterials with Selectively Activatable AgNW–Graphene Oxide‐EGaIn Composite Interconnects for Scalable Freeform Photovoltaic Modules

Y. H. Cho, HeeSuk Jung, Hyeonggeun Yu, Jeha Ryu et al.
Advanced Functional Materials
Advanced Materials and Mechanics
article

Auxeticity‐by‐Assembly: Interlocking Modular Auxetic Metamaterials with Selectively Activatable AgNW–Graphene Oxide‐EGaIn Composite Interconnects for Scalable Freeform Photovoltaic Modules

Y. H. Cho, HeeSuk Jung, Hyeonggeun Yu, Jeha Ryu, Deokjae Choi, T. J. Kim, Gee Yeong Kim, Y. S. Hwang, Gabseok Seo, Dongho Kim, Phillip Lee, Byeong-Kwon Ju, Seok Joon Hwang, Dae‐Hee Cho, Seok Chung, Haram Lee
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT Standardization remains a key bottleneck for scaling freeform photovoltaics beyond bespoke, cut‐defined layouts, particularly when electrical interconnection must survive repeated deformation at joint hotspots. Here we introduce Auxeticity‐by‐Assembly—an interlocking modular auxetic metamaterial that generates reconfigurable freeform photovoltaic (PV) modules by repeating a standardized interlocking unit and choosing the assembly topology. The unit integrates rigid tiles for device mounting with compliant hinges and locking hinge joints, and incorporates a folding‐enabled interconnector that routes current from perovskite mini‐modules to hinge interconnect regions while mitigating strain at contacts. To wire the mechanically active joints, we develop selectively activatable AgNW–GO–EGaIn composite interconnects that combine partially embedded Ag nanowires for adhesion with graphene oxide–coated EGaIn liquid‐metal particles (GO@EGaIn LMPs) for mechanically or laser‐rupture‐activated conduction. The interconnects enable on‐demand patterning and maintain conductivity under folding and large tensile deformation. A 5 × 5 perovskite platform reaches a decimeter‐scale footprint (∼900 cm 2 ), conformally deploys on dome‐like surfaces, and preserves photovoltaic I – V characteristics over repeated expansion–contraction cycles. Auxeticity‐by‐Assembly provides a scalable, standardized route to deployable freeform PV and other reconfigurable electronic skins.

Advanced Functional Materials
Pyeongtaek University (KR), SK Group (South Korea) (KR), Korea University (KR), Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KR), Sungkyunkwan University (KR), Korea University of Science and Technology (KR)
Openalex Percentile: Top 28%
Advanced Materials and Mechanics
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.