In-situ Synthesis of Carbon Nanotube–Graphite Electronic Devices and Their Integrations onto Surfaces of Live Plants and Insects

Abstract

Here we report an unconventional approach for the single-step synthesis of monolithically integrated electronic devices based on multidimensional carbon structures. Integrated arrays of field-effect transistors and sensors composed of carbon nanotube channels and graphitic electrodes and interconnects were formed directly from the synthesis. These fully integrated, all-carbon devices are highly flexible and can be transferred onto both planar and nonplanar substrates, including papers, clothes, and fingernails. Furthermore, the sensor network can be interfaced with inherent life forms in nature for monitoring environmental conditions. Examples of significant applications are the integration of the devices to live plants or insects for real-time, wireless sensing of toxic gases.

Carbon nanomaterials: production, impact on plant development, agricultural and environmental applications

“…In this context, CNT sensors were successfully used for in vivo monitoring of ROS formation in plant tissues as stress indicators [108]. An electronic device for real-time sensing of toxic gases based on CNTs, which could be placed onto insects or plants [109] can be applied in remote sensing systems for plant diseases. Covering a field site with multiple sensors can provide a full picture of the spatial distribution of disease severity at a field scale and allows the detection of hot spots, requiring a special treatment, as a significant contribution to reducing the input of agrochemicals.…”

The Emergence of Plant Nanobionics and Living Plants as Technology

“…While no direct demonstration is present in the literature, there are a few works that illustrate the potential of detecting VOCs on the leaf surface. In one demonstration, Lee et al patterned a mixture of graphite and polypyrrole‐functionalized SWNT ink directly onto the surface of a lucky bamboo ( Dracaena sanderiana ) . This enabled conductometric measurements of a nerve agent simulant dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) with ppm concentration resolution.…”

Towards conductive textiles: coating polymeric fibres with graphene

“…This method has been used for fibres, yarns and fabrics that are highly porous with a complex structure of microfibrils, such as cellulosic fibres. These inks and dyes make use of several types of conductive materials, such as aluminium 18 , carbon nanotubes 19 , and graphene 20 , and have been in the base of demonstrations of wearable and stretchable electronics, including integration onto surfaces of live plants and insects 21, 22 . One of the limitations of this methodology is that such multifilament fibres and fabrics, compared to fibres coated prior or during manufacturing, tend to lose the conductive filling more easily if not completely encapsulated, and can pose end-of-life environmental concerns.…”