Review of Droplet Printing Technologies for Flexible Electronic Devices: Materials, Control, and Applications

Jiang, Jiaxin; Chen, Xi; Mei, Zexing; Chen, Huatan; Chen, Junyu; Wang, Xiang; Li, Shufan; Zhang, Runyang; Zheng, Gaofeng; Li, Wenwang

doi:10.3390/mi15030333

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 101 publications

(203 reference statements)

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“…Research is ongoing in several technological fields to realise conductive features, such as laser direct structuring (LDS) [ 18 ], magnetohydrodynamic drop-on-demand metal printing [ 19 ], or liquid-metal-based solutions [ 20 ]. However, in most cases, they are still in the research phase [ 21 ] or coming with specific bottlenecks (e.g., cannot utilise the internal volume of the structure, needs different machines for conductive or dielectric structures, very smooth surface is required, or the process is very complicated and involves chemicals and post-processing).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bulge-Free and Homogeneous Metal Line Jet Printing with StarJet Technology

Straubinger,

Koltay,

Zengerle

et al. 2024

Micromachines

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The technology to jet print metal lines with precise shape fidelity on diverse substrates is gaining higher interest across multiple research fields. It finds applications in additively manufactured flexible electronics, environmentally friendly and sustainable electronics, sensor devices for medical applications, and fabricating electrodes for solar cells. This paper provides an experimental investigation to deepen insights into the non-contact printing of solder lines using StarJet technology, eliminating the need for surface activation, substrate heating, curing, or post-processing. Moreover, it employs bulk metal instead of conventional inks or pastes, leading to cost-effective production and enhanced conductivity. The effect of molten metal temperature, substrate temperature, standoff distance, and printing velocity was investigated on polymer foils (i.e., PET sheets). Robust printing parameters were derived to print uniform, bulge-free, bulk metal lines suitable for additive manufacturing applications. The applicability of the derived parameters was extended to 3D-printed PLA, TPU, PA-GF, and PETG substrates having a much higher surface roughness. Additionally, a high aspect ratio of approx. 16:1 wall structure has been demonstrated by printing multiple metal lines on top of each other. While challenges persist, this study contributes to advancing additively manufactured electronic devices, highlighting the capabilities of StarJet metal jet-printing technology.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bulge-Free and Homogeneous Metal Line Jet Printing with StarJet Technology

Straubinger,

Koltay,

Zengerle

et al. 2024

Micromachines

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Inkjet‐Printed 3D Electrode Arrays for Recording Signals from Cortical Organoids

Kopic,

Dedousi,

Schmidt

et al. 2024

Adv Materials Technologies

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Monitoring electrical activity across multiple planes in 3D cell cultures and organoids is imperative to comprehensively understand their functional connections and behavior. However, traditional planar microelectrode arrays (MEAs) are intended for surface recordings and are inadequate in addressing this aspect. The limitations, such as longer production times and limited adaptability imposed by standard clean‐room techniques, constrain the design possibilities for 3D electrode arrays and potentially hinder effective cell‐electrode coupling. To tackle this challenge, a novel approach is presented that leverages rapid prototyping processes and additive manufacturing in combination with wet etching and electrodeposition to enhance electrode fabrication and performance. The laser‐patterned MEAs on glass, polyimide (PI) foil, or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) foil substrates incorporate high‐aspect ratio (up to 44:1) ink‐jet printed 3D electrode structures with heights up to 1 mm at a pitch of 200 µm, enabling precise recording within cell tissues. The specific shapes of the electrode tips and customizable 3D structures provide great flexibility in electrode placement. The versatility of the 3D MEAs is demonstrated by recording the electrophysiological activity of cortical organoids in situ, paving the way for investigating neural activity under regular or various pathologically altered conditions in vitro in a high throughput manner.

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