Transient electronics for sustainability: Emerging technologies and future directions

Transient electronics are emerging as a promising class of devices designed to disappear after a defined operational period, addressing growing concerns over sustainability and long-term biocompatibility. Built from biodegradable materials that undergo hydrolysis or enzymatic degradation, these systems are particularly well suited for temporary implantable applications, such as neural monitors, wireless stimulators, and drug delivery vehicles, as well as environmentally benign electronics for soil or aquatic disposal. Despite their potential, key challenges remain in expanding the material set for diverse functionalities, achieving high-density integration for advanced operations, and enabling precise lifetime control through strategies such as protective encapsulation. This Perspective outlines critical opportunities and technical directions to guide the development of next-generation transient electronic systems.