Novel Nano-Materials and Nano-Fabrication Techniques for Flexible Electronic Systems

Flexible Graphene Field-Effect Transistors and Their Application in Flexible Biomedical Sensing

Flexible electronics are transforming our lives by making daily activities more convenient. Central to this innovation are field-effect transistors (FETs), valued for their efficient signal processing, nanoscale fabrication, low-power consumption, fast response times, and versatility. Graphene, known for its exceptional mechanical properties, high electron mobility, and biocompatibility, is an ideal material for FET channels and sensors. The combination of graphene and FETs has given rise to flexible graphene field-effect transistors (FGFETs), driving significant advances in flexible electronics and sparked a strong interest in flexible biomedical sensors. Here, we first provide a brief overview of the basic structure, operating mechanism, and evaluation parameters of FGFETs, and delve into their material selection and patterning techniques. The ability of FGFETs to sense strains and biomolecular charges opens up diverse application possibilities. We specifically analyze the latest strategies for integrating FGFETs into wearable and implantable flexible biomedical sensors, focusing on the key aspects of constructing high-quality flexible biomedical sensors. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and prospects of FGFETs and their applications in biomedical sensors. This review will provide valuable insights and inspiration for ongoing research to improve the quality of FGFETs and broaden their application prospects in flexible biomedical sensing.

Ultrathin Crystalline Silicon Nano and Micro Membranes with High Areal Density for Low-Cost Flexible Electronics

Ultrathin crystalline silicon is widely used as an active material for high-performance, flexible, and stretchable electronics, from simple passive and active components to complex integrated circuits, due to its excellent electrical and mechanical properties. However, in contrast to conventional silicon wafer-based devices, ultrathin crystalline silicon-based electronics require an expensive and rather complicated fabrication process. Although silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers are commonly used to obtain a single layer of crystalline silicon, they are costly and difficult to process. Therefore, as an alternative to SOI wafers-based thin layers, here, a simple transfer method is proposed for printing ultrathin multiple crystalline silicon sheets with thicknesses between 300 nm to 13 µm and high areal density (>90%) from a single mother wafer. Theoretically, the silicon nano/micro membrane can be generated until the mother wafer is completely consumed. In addition, the electronic applications of silicon membranes are successfully demonstrated through the fabrication of a flexible solar cell and flexible NMOS transistor arrays.

Stretchable and Skin-Mountable Temperature Sensor Array Using Reduction-Controlled Graphene Oxide for Dermatological Thermography

Since thermometry of human skin is critical information that provides important aspects of human health and physiology, accurate and continuous temperature measurement is required for the observation of physical abnormalities. However, conventional thermometers are uncomfortable because of their bulky and heavy features. In this work, we fabricated a thin, stretchable array-type temperature sensor using graphene-based materials. Furthermore, we controlled the degree of graphene oxide reduction and enhanced the temperature sensitivity. The sensor exhibited an excellent sensitivity of 2.085% °C^-1. The overall device was designed in a wavy meander shape to provide stretchability for the device so that precise detection of skin temperature could be performed. Furthermore, polyimide film was coated to secure the chemical and mechanical stabilities of the device. The array-type sensor enabled spatial heat mapping with high resolution. Finally, we introduced some practical applications of skin temperature sensing, suggesting the possibility of skin thermography and healthcare monitoring.

Fabrication of gold-doped crystalline-silicon nanomembrane-based wearable temperature sensor

Wearable temperature sensors with high thermal sensitivity are required for precise and continuous body temperature monitoring. Here, we present a protocol for fabricating a thin, stretchable, and ultrahigh thermal-sensitive wearable sensor based on gold-doped crystalline-silicon nanomembrane (SiNM). We provide detailed steps of gold doping technique to SiNM and fabrication processes for gold-doped crystalline-SiNM based wearable temperature sensor. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Sang et al. (2022).1.

Ultra-Thin Flexible Encapsulating Materials for Soft Bio-Integrated Electronics

Recently, bioelectronic devices extensively researched and developed through the convergence of flexible biocompatible materials and electronics design that enables  more precise diagnostics and therapeutics in human health care and opens up the potential to expand into various fields, such as clinical medicine and biomedical research. To establish an accurate and stable bidirectional bio-interface, protection against the external environment and high mechanical deformation is essential for wearable bioelectronic devices. In the case of implantable bioelectronics, special encapsulation materials and optimized mechanical designs and configurations that provide electronic stability and functionality are required for accommodating various organ properties, lifespans, and functions in the biofluid environment. Here, this study introduces recent developments of ultra-thin encapsulations with novel materials that can preserve or even improve the electrical performance of wearable and implantable bio-integrated electronics by supporting safety and stability for protection from destruction and contamination as well as optimizing the use of bioelectronic systems in physiological environments. In addition, a summary of the materials, methods, and characteristics of the most widely used encapsulation technologies is introduced, thereby providing a strategic selection of appropriate choices of recently developed flexible bioelectronics.

Challenges and limits of mechanical stability in 3D direct laser writing

Direct laser writing is an effective technique for fabrication of complex 3D polymer networks using ultrashort laser pulses. Practically, it remains a challenge to design and fabricate high performance materials with different functions that possess a combination of high strength, substantial ductility, and tailored functionality, in particular for small feature sizes. To date, it is difficult to obtain a time-resolved microscopic picture of the printing process in operando. To close this gap, we herewith present a molecular dynamics simulation approach to model direct laser writing and investigate the effect of writing condition and aspect ratio on the mechanical properties of the printed polymer network. We show that writing conditions provide a possibility to tune the mechanical properties and an optimum writing condition can be applied to fabricate structures with improved mechanical properties. We reveal that beyond the writing parameters, aspect ratio plays an important role to tune the stiffness of the printed structures.

Direct laser writing is an effective technique for fabrication of complex 3D polymer networks using ultrashort laser pulses but to date it is difficult to obtain a time-resolved microscopic picture of the printing process in operando. Here, the use molecular dynamics simulation to model direct laser writing and investigate the effect of writing condition and aspect ratio on the mechanical properties of the printed polymer network.

Ultrahigh Sensitive Au-Doped Silicon Nanomembrane Based Wearable Sensor Arrays for Continuous Skin Temperature Monitoring with High Precision

Monitoring the body temperature with high accuracy provides a fast, facile, yet powerful route about the human body in a wide range of health information standards. Here, the first ever ultrasensitive and stretchable gold-doped silicon nanomembrane (Au-doped SiNM) epidermal temperature sensor array is introduced. The ultrasensitivity is achieved by shifting freeze-out region to intrinsic region in carrier density and modulation of fermi energy level of p-type SiNM through the development of a novel gold-doping strategy. The Au-doped SiNM is readily transferred onto an ultrathin polymer layer with a well-designed serpentine mesh structure, capable of being utilized as an epidermal temperature sensor array. Measurements in vivo and in vitro show temperature coefficient of resistance as high as -37270.72 ppm °C^-1 , 22 times higher than existing metal-based temperature sensors with similar structures, and one of the highest thermal sensitivity among the inorganic material based temperature sensors. Applications in the continuous monitoring of body temperature and respiration rate during exercising are demonstrated with a successful capture of information. This work lays a foundation for monitoring body temperature, potentially useful for precision diagnosis (e.g., continuous monitoring body temperature in coronavirus disease 2019 cases) and management of disease relevance to body temperature in healthcare.

Emerging Materials and Technologies with Applications in Flexible Neural Implants: A Comprehensive Review of Current Issues with Neural Devices

Neuroscience is an essential field of investigation that reveals the identity of human beings, with a comprehensive understanding of advanced mental activities, through the study of neurobiological structures and functions. Fully understanding the neurotransmission system that allows for connectivity among neuronal circuits has paved the way for the development of treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and depression. The field of flexible implants has attracted increasing interest mainly to overcome the mechanical mismatch between rigid electrode materials and soft neural tissues, enabling precise measurements of neural signals from conformal contact. Here, the current issues of flexible neural implants (chronic device failure, non-bioresorbable electronics, low-density electrode arrays, among others are summarized) by presenting material candidates and designs to address each challenge. Furthermore, the latest investigations associated with the aforementioned issues are also introduced, including suggestions for ideal neural implants. In terms of the future direction of these advances, designing flexible devices would provide new opportunities for the study of brain-machine interfaces or brain-computer interfaces as part of locomotion through brain signals, and for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

In situ synthesis of holey g-C3N4 nanosheets decorated by hydroxyapatite nanospheres as efficient visible light photocatalyst

The interesting g-C3N4 nanosheet morphology has drawn huge attention in photocatalytic applications because of its special features. Nonetheless, the relative activity of these nanosheets is still controversial due to the low available active sites and the high recombination probability of photo-induced charge carriers. In this work, in situ sol-gel approach was applied to synthesize holey g-C3N4 nanosheets/hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanospheres with plentiful in-plane holes. Herein, the presence of Ca2+ plays a key role in the formation of holey defects on 2D g-C3N4. In-plane holes provide nanosheets with more active edges and diffusion channelsv, resulting in a tremendous enhanced mass and photo-induced charge transfer speed. Moreover, the holes make highly numbered boundaries, which lead to the prevention of aggregation. On the other hand, distributed nano-HAp spheres on these nanosheets can form effective heterojunctions having high photo-degradation ability of pollutants. Intrinsic O-vacancies inside HAp unit cells mainly affect the capture of photogenerated electrons, pollutant molecules, and O2 gas. The synergistic presence of O-vacancies and holey defects (C-vacancies) on 2D g-C3N4 plays a key role in raising the photocatalytic performance of holey g-C3N4/HAp. It can be concluded that the proposed preparation method is a promising approach for simultaneous synthesis of holey g-C3N4 and surface heterojunctions of Ca-based materials. This new structure has shown significant degradation ability of bisphenol A, a prominent pollutant, with a low amount (0.01 g) and short time.

A systematic approach towards biomimicry of nanopatterned cicada wings on titanium using electron beam lithography

The interaction of bacteria on nanopatterned surfaces has caught attention since the discovery of the bactericidal property of cicada wing surfaces. While many studies focused on the inspiration of such surfaces, nanolithography-based techniques are seldom used due to the difficulties in fabricating highly dense (number of pillars per unit area), geometrical nanostructured surfaces. Here we present a systematic modelling approach for optimising the electron beam lithography parameters in order to fabricate biomimicked nanopillars of varying patterned geometries. Monte Carlo simulation was applied to optimize the beam energy and pattern design prior to the experimental study. We optimized the processing parameters such as exposure factor, write field size, pitch, the different types and thicknesses of the PMMA resist used, and the shape of the feature (circle or a dot) for the fabrication of nanopillars to achieve the best lift-off with repeatable result. Our simulation and experimental results showed that a circle design with a voltage of 30 kV and 602 nm thickness of PMMA 495 A4 as base layers and 65 nm of PMMA 950 A2 as top layer achieves the best results. The antibacterial activity was also validated on the representative fabricated titanium nanopillar surface. The surface with a base diameter of 94.4 nm, spike diameter of 12.6 nm, height of 115.6 nm, density of 43/μm², aspect ratio of 2.16 and centre to centre distance of 165.8 nm was the optimum surface for antibacterial activity. Such a systematic design approach for fabrication of insect wing-mimicked closely packed nanopillars have not been investigated before which provides an excellent platform for biomedical Ti implants.

Recent Advances in Wearable Devices for Non-Invasive Sensing

The development of wearable sensors is aimed at enabling continuous real-time health monitoring, which leads to timely and precise diagnosis anytime and anywhere. Unlike conventional wearable sensors that are somewhat bulky, rigid, and planar, research for next-generation wearable sensors has been focused on establishing fully-wearable systems. To attain such excellent wearability while providing accurate and reliable measurements, fabrication strategies should include (1) proper choices of materials and structural designs, (2) constructing efficient wireless power and data transmission systems, and (3) developing highly-integrated sensing systems. Herein, we discuss recent advances in wearable devices for non-invasive sensing, with focuses on materials design, nano/microfabrication, sensors, wireless technologies, and the integration of those.

Tuning Surface Morphology of Fluorescent Hydrogels Using a Vortex Fluidic Device

In recent decades, microfluidic techniques have been extensively used to advance hydrogel design and control the architectural features on the micro- and nanoscale. The major challenges with the microfluidic approach are clogging and limited architectural features: notably, the creation of the sphere, core-shell, and fibers. Implementation of batch production is almost impossible with the relatively lengthy time of production, which is another disadvantage. This minireview aims to introduce a new microfluidic platform, a vortex fluidic device (VFD), for one-step fabrication of hydrogels with different architectural features and properties. The application of a VFD in the fabrication of physically crosslinked hydrogels with different surface morphologies, the creation of fluorescent hydrogels with excellent photostability and fluorescence properties, and tuning of the structure-property relationship in hydrogels are discussed. We conceive, on the basis of this minireview, that future studies will provide new opportunities to develop hydrogel nanocomposites with superior properties for different biomedical and engineering applications.

All-dielectric concentration of electromagnetic fields at the nanoscale: the role of photonic nanojets

The photonic nanojet (PNJ) is a narrow high-energy beam that was originally found on the back side of all-dielectric spherical structures. It is a unique type of energy concentration mode. The field of PNJs has experienced rapid growth in the past decade: nonspherical and even pixelized PNJ generators based on new physics and principles along with extended photonic applications from linear optics to nonlinear optics have driven the re-evaluation of the role of PNJs in optics and photonics. In this article, we give a comprehensive review for the emerging sub-topics in the past decade with a focus on two specific areas: (1) PNJ generators based on natural materials, artificial materials and nanostructures, and even programmable systems instead of conventional dielectric geometries such as microspheres, cubes, and trihedral prisms, and (2) the emerging novel applications in both linear and nonlinear optics that are built upon the specific features of PNJs. The extraordinary features of PNJs including subwavelength concentration of electromagnetic energy, high intensity focusing spot, and lower Joule heating as compared to plasmonic resonance systems, have made PNJs attractive to diverse fields spanning from optical imaging, nanofabrication, and integrated photonics to biosensing, optical tweezers, and disease diagnosis.

Nanowire Electronics: From Nanoscale to Macroscale

Semiconductor nanowires have attracted extensive interest as one of the best-defined classes of nanoscale building blocks for the bottom-up assembly of functional electronic and optoelectronic devices over the past two decades. The article provides a comprehensive review of the continuing efforts in exploring semiconductor nanowires for the assembly of functional nanoscale electronics and macroelectronics. Specifically, we start with a brief overview of the synthetic control of various semiconductor nanowires and nanowire heterostructures with precisely controlled physical dimension, chemical composition, heterostructure interface, and electronic properties to define the material foundation for nanowire electronics. We then summarize a series of assembly strategies developed for creating well-ordered nanowire arrays with controlled spatial position, orientation, and density, which are essential for constructing increasingly complex electronic devices and circuits from synthetic semiconductor nanowires. Next, we review the fundamental electronic properties and various single nanowire transistor concepts. Combining the designable electronic properties and controllable assembly approaches, we then discuss a series of nanoscale devices and integrated circuits assembled from nanowire building blocks, as well as a unique design of solution-processable nanowire thin-film transistors for high-performance large-area flexible electronics. Last, we conclude with a brief perspective on the standing challenges and future opportunities.

Fabrication of High-resolution Graphene-based Flexible Electronics via Polymer Casting

In this study, a novel method based on the transfer of graphene patterns from a rigid or flexible substrate onto a polymeric film surface via solvent casting was developed. The method involves the creation of predetermined graphene patterns on the substrate, casting a polymer solution, and directly transferring the graphene patterns from the substrate to the surface of the target polymer film via a peeling-off method. The feature sizes of the graphene patterns on the final film can vary from a few micrometers (as low as 5 µm) to few millimeters range. This process, applied at room temperature, eliminates the need for harsh post-processing techniques and enables creation of conductive graphene circuits (sheet resistance: ~0.2 kΩ/sq) with high stability (stable after 100 bending and 24 h washing cycles) on various polymeric flexible substrates. Moreover, this approach allows precise control of the substrate properties such as composition, biodegradability, 3D microstructure, pore size, porosity and mechanical properties using different film formation techniques. This approach can also be used to fabricate flexible biointerfaces to control stem cell behavior, such as differentiation and alignment. Overall, this promising approach provides a facile and low-cost method for the fabrication of flexible and stretchable electronic circuits.

A Rapid Thermal Nanoimprint Apparatus through Induction Heating of Nickel Mold

Thermal nanoimprint lithography is playing a vital role in fabricating micro/nanostructures on polymer materials by the advantages of low cost, high throughput, and high resolution. However, a typical thermal nanoimprint process usually takes tens of minutes due to the relatively low heating and cooling rate in the thermal imprint cycle. In this study, we developed an induction heating apparatus for the thermal imprint with a mold made of ferromagnetic material, nickel. By applying an external high-frequency alternating magnetic field, heat was generated by the eddy currents and magnetic hysteresis losses of the ferromagnetic nickel mold at high speed. Once the external alternating magnetic field was cut off, the system would cool down fast owe to the small thermal capacity of the nickel mold; thus, providing a high heating and cooling rate for the thermal nanoimprint process. In this paper, nanostructures were successfully replicated onto polymer sheets with the scale of 4-inch diameter within 5 min.

Electronic and Thermal Properties of Graphene and Recent Advances in Graphene Based Electronics Applications

Recently, graphene has been extensively researched in fundamental science and engineering fields and has been developed for various electronic applications in emerging technologies owing to its outstanding material properties, including superior electronic, thermal, optical and mechanical properties. Thus, graphene has enabled substantial progress in the development of the current electronic systems. Here, we introduce the most important electronic and thermal properties of graphene, including its high conductivity, quantum Hall effect, Dirac fermions, high Seebeck coefficient and thermoelectric effects. We also present up-to-date graphene-based applications: optical devices, electronic and thermal sensors, and energy management systems. These applications pave the way for advanced biomedical engineering, reliable human therapy, and environmental protection. In this review, we show that the development of graphene suggests substantial improvements in current electronic technologies and applications in healthcare systems.

Effects of Nanoparticles Materials on Heat Transfer in Electro-Insulating Liquids

This paper discusses the effect of doping of electro-insulating liquids with nanoparticle materials on the thermal properties of the obtained nanoliquids and heat transport in the transformer. Mineral oil, synthetic ester, and natural ester were used as base liquids. The effectiveness of doping base liquids with nanoparticles was supported by ultraviolet-visible (UV/VIS) measurements. In turn, Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) confirmed the absence of intermolecular interactions (i.e., hydrogen bonding). The influence of modification of electro-insulating liquids with fullerene C60 and titanium dioxide TiO2 nanoparticles on such thermal properties as thermal conductivity, specific heat, kinematic viscosity, density, and thermal expansion was investigated. Based on these properties and the theory of similarity, the cooling efficiency of the transformer filled with the analyzed nanofluids was determined. Nanofluids’ cooling effectiveness was compared with the cooling effectiveness of the base liquids. This comparison was supported by an analysis of Grashof, Prandtl, and Nusselt numbers. It has been shown that the modification of electro-insulating liquids with nanoparticles widely used in order to improve their dielectric properties, such as C60 and TiO2, does not have a significant influence on their thermal properties. The addition of fullerene C60 caused an increase in kinematic viscosity, which was compensated by the increase in specific heat. In the case of TiO2, the addition of this nanoparticle resulted in an increase in kinematic viscosity and a decrease in specific heat, which were balanced out by the increase in thermal conductivity. In summary, the heat exchange-capacity of liquids did not change due to doping with nanoparticles.

Flexible and Stretchable Bio-Integrated Electronics Based on Carbon Nanotube and Graphene

Scientific and engineering progress associated with increased interest in healthcare monitoring, therapy, and human-machine interfaces has rapidly accelerated the development of bio-integrated multifunctional devices. Recently, compensation for the cons of existing materials on electronics for health care systems has been provided by carbon-based nanomaterials. Due to their excellent mechanical and electrical properties, these materials provide benefits such as improved flexibility and stretchability for conformal integration with the soft, curvilinear surfaces of human tissues or organs, while maintaining their own unique functions. This review summarizes the most recent advanced biomedical devices and technologies based on two most popular carbon based materials, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene. In the beginning, we discuss the biocompatibility of CNTs and graphene by examining their cytotoxicity and/or detrimental effects on the human body for application to bioelectronics. Then, we scrutinize the various types of flexible and/or stretchable substrates that are integrated with CNTs and graphene for the construction of high-quality active electrode arrays and sensors. The convergence of these carbon-based materials and bioelectronics ensures scalability and cooperativity in various fields. Finally, future works with challenges are presented in bio-integrated electronic applications with these carbon-based materials.