A Comprehensive Review on Printed Electronics: A Technology Drift towards a Sustainable Future

Abstract

Printable electronics is emerging as one of the fast-growing engineering fields with a higher degree of customization and reliability. Ironically, sustainable printing technology is essential because of the minimal waste to the environment. To move forward, we need to harness the fabrication technology with the potential to support traditional process. In this review, we have systematically discussed in detail the various manufacturing materials and processing technologies. The selection criteria for the assessment are conducted systematically on the manuscript published in the last 10 years (2012–2022) in peer-reviewed journals. We have discussed the various kinds of printable ink which are used for fabrication based on nanoparticles, nanosheets, nanowires, molecular formulation, and resin. The printing methods and technologies used for printing for each technology are also reviewed in detail. Despite the major development in printing technology some critical challenges needed to be addressed and critically assessed. One such challenge is the coffee ring effect, the possible methods to reduce the effect on modulating the ink environmental condition are also indicated. Finally, a summary of printable electronics for various applications across the diverse industrial manufacturing sector is presented.

Opportunities for cost-effective manufacturing of fully printed high performance displays enabled by vertical light-emitting transistor pixels

“…The printable inks consist of functional materials (dielectric, conducting, semiconducting) and additives. The additives (binders, surfactants, adhesion promoters, polymers, and solvents) modify the ink properties (viscosity and surface tension) to induce stable dispersion/solubilization of the ink components, satisfactory nozzle jettability with minimal clogging, efficient ink/substrate interaction, and optimized ink drying for the selected printing method [72][73][74].…”

“…The conducting inks are commonly used for the formation of large-area continuous electrodes (transparent conducting electrodes (TCOs) for smart windows, electrochromic displays, supercapacitors) or a system of contact electrodes in the form of lines/screen/patterns (for TFTs, touch-screens, batteries, sensors, RFIDs) [72,73]. The primary requirement for making an excellent flexible electrode is achieving a uniform defect-free printed layer with a high conductivity at a relatively low post-printing sintering temperature.…”

“…In the MOD, initially the inks composed of the dissolved organometallic complexes are printed; in the second step the printed layers undergo decomposition to form metal nanoparticles [85]. Conductive oxides, 2D metal chalcogenides, carbonaceous nanomaterials, and conducting conjugated polymers are other representative conductive materials widely used in printed electronics [49,73]. Among conductive doped metal oxides-aluminum zinc oxide, antimony tin oxide, gallium zinc oxide-ITO has gained most utility (despite the expense and scarcity of indium) due to its superior conductivity, high transparency and broad selection of compatible inks [49,86].…”

Understanding how junction resistances impact the conduction mechanism in nano-networks

“…Printed electronic devices are increasingly important due to their flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness 1 . Driven by their combination of solution-processibility and strong electrical performance, 0D, 1D, and 2D nanoparticles have now been widely explored as materials for printed electronics 1 , 2 .…”

“…Printed electronic devices are increasingly important due to their flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness 1 . Driven by their combination of solution-processibility and strong electrical performance, 0D, 1D, and 2D nanoparticles have now been widely explored as materials for printed electronics 1 , 2 . Printed networks of carbon nanotubes have shown great promise for use in transistors 3 , 4 , LEDs 5 , and photodetectors 6 , while metallic nanowire networks have been heavily studied as transparent electrodes 7 , 8 , EMI shields 9 , and heating elements 10 .…”