by The growing demand for biodegradable electronics, particularly in the context of an expanding Internet of Things network, has spurred Binghamton University Professor Seokheun Sean Choi to delve into the realm of integrated papertronics. The outcomes of his latest research, as detailed in a recently published study in Advanced Sustainable Systems, have the potential to transform how we observe and monitor the surrounding environment.
Choi identified a key challenge in utilizing paper for electronics due to its highly porous and rough nature, which is advantageous for paperfluidics but poses obstacles for electronic applications. Previous iterations of papertronics involved laminated paper with electronic components attached to them, but Choi and his team from the Bioelectronics and Microsystems Laboratory took a different approach. They harnessed the unique properties of paper by incorporating functional inks, leveraging capillary action for ink distribution, and utilizing hydrophobic wax patterns to define circuit boundaries.
This innovative technique enables the fabrication of complete paper circuits, integrating tunable resistors, capacitors, and transistors directly onto the paper substrates. The resulting circuit boards are foldable, stackable, and biodegradable, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional electronic components. This breakthrough marks a significant advancement from previous attempts in 2022, where components were not widely tunable and nonbiodegradable materials were used.
Looking ahead, Choi envisions further enhancements to make papertronics more widely accessible and applicable. The team aims to develop packaging techniques for long-term device operation and explore the creation of additional electronic components, such as inductors, diodes, and displays. Improving density and performance are also key priorities in advancing the capabilities of these eco-friendly paper-based circuits.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
