Papertronics: Marriage between Paper and Electronics Becoming a Real Scenario in Resource-Limited Settings

Abstract

Integrating electronic applications with paper, placed next to or below printed images or graphics, can further expand the possible uses of paper substrates. Consuming paper as a substrate in the field of electronics can lead to significant innovations toward papertronics applications as paper comprises various advantages like being disposable, inexpensive, biodegradable, easy to handle, simple to use, and easily available. All of these advantages will definitely spur the advancement of the electronics field, but unfortunately, putting electronics on paper is not an easy task because, compared to plastics, the paper surface is not just rough but also porous. For example, in the case of lateral flow assay testing the sensor response is delayed if the pore size of the paper is enormous. This might be a disadvantage for most electrical devices printed directly on paper. Still, some methods make it compatible when fit with a rough, absorbent surface of the paper. Building electronic devices on a standard paper substrate have sparked much interest because of its lightweight, environmental friendliness, minimal cost, and simple fabrication. A slew of improvements have been achieved in recent years to make paper electronics perform better in various applications, including transistors, batteries, and displays. In addition, flexible electronics have gained much interest in human−machine interaction and wireless sensing. This review briefly examines the origins and fabrication of paper electronics and then moves on to applications and exciting possible paths for paper-based electronics.

Flexible resistive memory device with egg-albumen/HfO x hybrid bilayer: fabrication and modeling of its switching variations

“…In terms of RS mechanism, the term 'hybrid' can even refer to a device in which both active metal ion and oxygen vacancy migration play role in switching [24]. Moreover, the unprecedented rise of electronic waste has motivated researchers to explore sustainable alternatives for materials and processes, which can instil eco-friendliness and possibility of biodegradability [25][26][27]. These efforts have boosted the exploration of organic or nature derived materials, to be utilized in pristine form or in combination with inorganic materials for fabrication of electronic devices [28,29].…”

A Transient Spore‐Forming Microbial Fuel Cell with Extracellularly Biosynthesized Tin Oxide Nanoparticles for Powering Disposable and Green Papertronics

“…Paper‐based electronics or papertronics is a new scheme of electronics that is revolutionarily constructed on a disposable and green paper substrate to offer emerging short‐term applications and ensure minimal environmental effects upon disposal. [ 1,2 ] Papertronics have been exclusively designed for a single‐use operation, especially in point‐of‐care diagnostics or for a predefined duration in shipment tracking, environmental sensing, and food and grocery monitoring. [ 3,4 ] Then, the biocompatible, combustible paper can be disposed of by allowing ambient microorganisms in the soil to disintegrate the device or through the more proper disposal method of incineration.…”

“…[ 14,15 ] To this end, green materials and processing that minimize environmental risks are being considered for the manufacturing of paper‐based electronics while reducing cost and improving performance have been simultaneously pursued. [ 1,2,5 ]…”