US uses graphene ink to print highly conductive flexible electrodes
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Ethan B. Sikol, one of the researchers involved, explained that inkjet printing is a promising method for manufacturing electronic components on flexible substrates at a low cost and over large areas. While previous studies have successfully printed various elements like transistors, solar cells, and sensors, achieving high-conductivity electrodes has remained a challenge due to the need for extremely fine resolution. The team turned to graphene, known for its excellent electrical conductivity and chemical stability, aiming to use it as a printable ink for electrodes.
One of the main challenges in printing graphene is producing it in sufficient quantity without compromising its properties. Traditional methods often involve solvents and surfactants that leave behind residues, reducing conductivity. Additionally, small graphene sheets can be unstable during printing, and their numerous edges also lower the overall performance. To address these issues, the researchers introduced a new method using ethanol as a solvent and ethyl cellulose as a stabilizing agent. Both are residue-free and significantly improve the quality of the final product.
The resulting graphene powder consists of flakes measuring about 50 x 50 nanometers and just 2 nanometers thick. Despite the many connections between the plate-like structures, the ethylcellulose polymer helps reduce electrical resistance between the layers, outperforming other surfactants. The team then dispersed the powder into a liquid ink, which demonstrated exceptional printability, morphology, and conductivity. It was well-suited for precise electrode printing, even on flexible substrates like polyimide.
Tests showed that the ink retained high conductivity even when the substrate was bent or folded. In fact, when the material was folded, the conductivity dropped by only 5%. These results suggest that graphene inks could be used to create durable, foldable electronic devices in the future. Mark, another researcher involved, emphasized the potential impact of this technology. He stated that all electronic devices rely on high-conductivity and high-resolution interconnections, making graphene inks a game-changer for flexible and foldable electronics. Applications could range from smartphones and tablets to flat-panel displays and solar cells.
Looking ahead, the team plans to explore how graphene printing can be used to assemble more complex electronic circuits and devices. Their work could pave the way for next-generation flexible electronics that are not only functional but also aesthetically appealing and easy to manufacture at scale.