Functionally graded graphene transient electronics

Project ID:  D2018-22

Every year, 42 million tons of electronic waste pollute our planet. The industry is urgently seeking eco-friendly solutions that minimize environmental impact without sacrificing performance. Enter transient electronics, devices designed to disappear safely after use. Current approaches rely on costly, multi-step processes using semiconductor-grade silicon and magnesium-based materials.

What if there was a simpler, faster, and greener alternative?

Invention Description

Researchers at The University of Toledo have developed a game-changing, single-step process to create functionally graded graphene (FGG) films that disintegrate in water in under 7 minutes.

These films feature:

• Dual functionality in a single layer:
  • o One side: electrically conductive reduced graphene oxide (rGO)
  • o Opposite side: insulating graphene oxide (GO)
• Customizable circuit patterns integrated directly into the film
• Environmentally benign composition and low-cost raw materials

Applications

• Transient & compostable electronics
• RFID tags and smart packaging
• Secure hardware for defense applications
• Soft robotics and artificial muscles
• Humidity sensors and flexible circuits

Advantages

• Ultra-fast, one-step fabrication
• Freestanding, mechanically robust films
• Sheet resistance as low as 9 Ω/sq
• Hygromorphic behavior for actuation
• Roll-to-roll manufacturing compatibility
• All-carbon, eco-friendly materials
• Complete disintegration in water—zero e-waste

IP Status:      US Patent 11,661,346 B2

Publication:       Facile fabrication of functionally graded all graphene based free standing films with tunable compositions and their applications. R. Sheikh, O. Bhatkar, D. Smith, R. Rizvi.

              Self-assembled functionally graded graphene films with tunable compositions and their applications. S. Rasel, O. Bhatkar, D. Smith, M. Kowal, M. Anderson, R. Kaner, R. Rizvi. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2019, 11, 26, 23463-23473