Droplet‐Based Techniques for Printing of Functional Inks for Flexible Physical Sensors

Hamed Abdolmaleki, Preben Kidmose, Shweta Agarwala*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal/Conference contribution in journal/Contribution to newspaperJournal articleResearchpeer-review

129 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Printed electronics (PE) is an emerging technology that uses functional inks to print electrical components and circuits on variety of substrates. This technology has opened up new possibilities to fabricate flexible, bendable, and form-fitting devices at low-cost and fast speed. There are different printing technologies in use, among which droplet-based techniques are of great interest as they provide the possibility of printing computer-controlled design patterns with high resolution, and greater production flexibility. Nanomaterial inks form the heart of this technology, enabling different functionalities. To this end, intensive research has been carried out on formulating inks with conductive, semiconductive, magnetic, piezoresistive, and piezoelectric properties. Here, a detailed landscape view on different droplet-based printing technologies (inkjet, aerosol jet, and electrohydrodynamic jet) is provided, with comprehensive discussion on their working principals. This is followed by a detailed research overview of different functional inks (metal, carbon, polymer, and ceramic). Different sintering methods and common substrates being used in printed electronics are also discussed, followed by an in-depth review of different physical sensors fabricated by droplet-based techniques. Finally, the challenges facing the field are considered and a perspective on possible ways to overcome them is provided.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2006792
JournalAdvanced Materials
Volume33
Issue20
Number of pages29
ISSN0935-9648
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 20 May 2021

Keywords

  • E-jet
  • inorganic inks
  • organic inks
  • post processing
  • substrates

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Droplet‐Based Techniques for Printing of Functional Inks for Flexible Physical Sensors'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this