Functionalized Graphene Conductive Ink for Printed Electronics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Printed electronic devices face challenges with insufficient electrical conductivity due to the use of costly precious metals and the need for sintering processes, which limits substrate options and adds complexity, especially when used in flexible or bent devices.

Innovation Solution

The use of functionalized graphene sheets with a binder in an electrically conductive ink applied to a substrate, which can be cured or not, forming conductive pathways without the need for sintering, allowing for flexible and cost-effective production on various substrates, including paper and polyolefins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If metal-based inks containing silver particles are used to achieve sufficient electrical conductivity, then electrical conductivity is improved, but cost increases due to the use of precious metals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the material parameter from precious metal particles to carbon-based conductive materials (graphene, carbon nanotubes, carbon black) that provide sufficient electrical conductivity without the high cost of silver or other precious metals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces expensive precious metal-based conductive inks with cheaper carbon-based conductive materials that can achieve comparable or superior electrical conductivity performance at significantly lower cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If sintering processes are used to achieve desired electrical conductivity levels, then electrical conductivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional fabrication steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidfabrication process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the sintering step from the fabrication process by using carbon-based conductive materials that achieve sufficient electrical conductivity through standard printing and drying processes alone, without requiring thermal sintering

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the thermal sintering process with a chemical/compositional solution where carbon-based materials provide inherent conductivity that does not require high-temperature processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If high sintering temperatures are used to achieve sufficient electrical conductivity, then electrical conductivity is improved, but adaptability decreases due to substrate material limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidsubstrate material selection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the processing temperature parameter from high sintering temperatures to low or ambient temperature processing by using carbon-based conductive materials that do not require thermal sintering to achieve sufficient conductivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a universal printing process that can be applied to diverse substrate materials (paper, plastic, fabric, flexible polymers) without requiring high-temperature sintering, thereby expanding the range of suitable substrates for printed electronics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If metal-based inks are used to achieve electrical conductivity, then electrical conductivity is improved, but weight increases due to the density of metallic particles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces dense metallic particles with lighter carbon-based materials (graphene, carbon nanotubes, carbon black) that provide equivalent or superior electrical conductivity at significantly reduced weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach achieves high electrical conductivity without the use of precious metals, enabling flexible electronic devices that can be used on a wide range of substrates and reducing production complexity, while maintaining or improving conductivity and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

the ink comprises functionalized graphene sheets and at least one binder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10244628B2Printed electronics

Publication Date: 2019.03.26 VORBECK MATERIALS CORP

AI summary

Printed electronic device comprising a substrate onto at least one surface of which has been applied a layer of an electrically conductive ink comprising functionalized graphene sheets and at least one binder. A method of preparing printed electronic devices is further disclosed.