Graphene Ink Sensor Layers That Resist Cracking and Conduct
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Solution Overview
Problem
Graphene-based sensors are susceptible to cracking, leading to electrical discontinuities and reduced durability and performance.
Innovation Solution
A sensor design incorporating multiple layers of graphene ink, comprising large conductive patches and low conductivity interstitial carbon material, which bridges the conductive patches to enhance durability and maintain electrical conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If graphene ink is used for sensor construction, then electrical conductivity and surface area are improved, but susceptibility to cracking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two types of graphene with different properties: highly conductive graphene for electrical performance and flexible graphene for mechanical durability. This composite approach allows the sensor to maintain both high electrical conductivity and resistance to cracking, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different types of graphene to different functional requirements: highly conductive graphene is used where electrical performance is critical, while flexible graphene is used where mechanical durability and crack resistance are needed. This localized optimization resolves the contradiction by assigning different material qualities to different functional needs within the same sensor structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If graphene layers are made thinner for flexibility, then mechanical flexibility is improved, but electrical continuity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure where flexible graphene provides mechanical durability and thinness for flexibility, while highly conductive graphene ensures electrical continuity. The combination allows the sensor to be thin and flexible without compromising electrical performance, resolving the contradiction between these properties.
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
The sensor achieves increased durability and reliability by maintaining electrical continuity despite mechanical stress, reducing the impact of cracking and deformations.
Implementation Method 1
Each layer of graphene ink comprises a mixture of large, conductive patches of graphene and low conductivity interstitial carbon material. The low conductivity interstitial carbon material bridges the large, conductive patches of graphene.
Implementation Method 2
graphene is a popular material for sensor construction due to its high surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, and mechanical flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed sensor comprises multiple types of graphene ink. The graphene ink may be applied via individual layers, where each layer is of a different type of graphene. Additionally, the graphene ink may be applied via a layer where the graphene ink is a mixture of two or more types of graphene. In either scenario, conductive patches of graphene and low conductivity interstitial carbon material may be created in the resulting material of the sensor. The low conductivity interstitial carbon material bridges the large, conductive patches of graphene, providing a connection between them. The graphene ink includes a first type of graphene configured for conductivity and a second type of graphene configured for wear and tear resistance. The sensor can be a resonant sensor, a vapor or gas sensor, a biosensor, or a printed label sensor, among others.