Search

Laser‐induced graphene (LIG) produced by irradiation of paper (paper‐LIG)holds substantial promise for flexible devices. This article presents paper‐LIG humidity and temperature sensors fabricated by single‐step irradiation of common filter paper with a pulsed UV laser (355 nm). The influence of the process parameters on the conversion of cellulose fibers into LIG is discussed based on the resulting morphology, structure, conductivity, and chemical composition, revealing a distinct barrier to transformation and a propagation behavior not seen under CO2 laser irradiation. The obtained material is constituted by a porous, electrically conductive network of fibers. The paper‐LIG relative humidity (RH) and temperature sensors with sensitivities of up to 1.3 × 10−3%RH−1 and ‐ 2.8 × 10−3 °C−1, respectively, are examined in terms of their linearity, reproducibility, and response time. A detailed discussion on the response mechanism is presented in the context of literature, pointing towards the absorption of water molecules in the interlayer spacing of graphene as the main reason for the increase in resistance with RH. Additionally, a contribution from variable range hopping along the ab plane of graphene at high RH is suggested. These results demonstrate the potential of paper‐LIG for low‐cost, sustainable, and environmentally friendly sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inkjet printing (IJP) is the most widespread direct‐write technique in paper electronics. However, this technique cannot be used for printing devices on untreated regular paper, since its low‐viscosity nanoinks leak through the cellulose fibers. Thus, a planarization coating is frequently used as a barrier, even though this makes substrates more expensive and less eco‐friendly. Alternatively, high solid content screen printing (SP) inks could allow printing on regular paper due to their high viscosity and large particle size; however, they cannot be printed through IJP. Another digital technique is then required: laser‐induced forward transfer (LIFT). This work aims at proving the feasibility of LIFT for printing devices on regular paper. The main transfer parameters are systematically varied to obtain uniform Ag‐SP interconnects, whose performance is improved by a multiple‐printing approach. It results in low resistances with much better performance than those typical of IJP. After optimizing the functionality of the printed lines, a proof‐of‐concept consisting of a radio‐frequency inductor is provided. The characterization of the device shows a substantially higher performance than that of the same device printed with IJP ink in similar conditions, which proves the potential of LIFT for digitally fabricating devices on regular paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanostructured composites built with microporous cellulose fibers and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have potential impacts in the fields of energy storage, sensors, and flexible electronics. Few results have been shown for high mechanoelectrical sensitivity of CNT‐paper composite because of numerous current paths in the network. Here, CNT‐paper‐based nanostructured composite sensors whose sensitivities are generated by controlled tensile fracture of the composite are presented. Under uniaxial load, the cellulose fibers in the paper experience straightening, stiffening, and fracture. The cellulose fibers originally parallel to the tension are fractured while those inclined and perpendicular to the tension are reorganized to form crossbar junctions in the vicinity of a crack. The cross junctions exhibit resistive and capacitive sensitivity to the out‐of‐plane force by the compression of the junctions. Such piezoresistive and piezocapacitive sensitivities are characterized and evaluated for human behavior monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]