New method developed to produce water-based 2D inks for printed electronics

Researchers have developed a new method of producing water-based and biocompatible 2D inks for use in the creation of printed electronics.

A team from the University of Manchester and the University of Pisa have found a way of making inkjet-printable 2D material inks that can be used to fabricate a wide range of heterostructures, with the biocompatibility of the inks extending their possible use in biomedical applications.

The inks build on the mechanical benefits of 2D materials such as graphene, which has been shown to be 200 times stronger than steel, as well as being lightweight, flexible and more conductive than copper.

By layering these materials in a precise sequence, the team is able to create heterostructures for specific purposes. Current ink formulations cannot be used, either because they contain toxic solvents or require time-consuming and expensive processes.

Study leader Professor Cinzia Casiraghi said: "Due to the simplicity, flexibility and low cost of device fabrication, we envisage this technology to find potential in smart packaging applications, for example for pharmaceuticals and consumer goods."

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