Scientists from the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technologies of the University of Koimbra (FCTUC) have collaborated with the University of Carnegie Mellon to create water conductive ink for the production of flexible electronic circuits. This development, supported by the Carnegie Mellon Portugal program, aims to avoid the use of traditional organic solvents that have a negative environmental impact. The results of this study have been published in the journal Advanced Science.
This innovative ink significantly reduces the environmental impact of production compared to traditional solutions. It has potential applications in the creation of biomedical stickers for monitoring patients’ conditions and smart packages with integrated sensors to control the preservation of perishable products.
Manuel Flight Carneiro, a graduate student from CMU Portugal and a member of Mahmoud Tavakoli’s team, emphasizes the significance of this ecological ink. Carneiro states, “The use of water ink drastically reduces the environmental footprint as it does not require the use of pollutants. It also simplifies the processing and re-use of the circuits.”
A notable feature of this new product is that it does not need to be stored in a refrigerator, which simplifies storage and reduces both the environmental impact and costs.
In the medical field, sensors and stickers created using this innovative ink can record patient data such as muscle activity, breathing, and body temperature. This technology is particularly valuable in reducing electronic waste from disposable medical devices.
In the food industry, “smart stickers” can include a temperature sensor that alerts users to potential contamination risks. Future plans include monitoring other factors such as pressure, humidity, and location.
These innovations highlight the development of sustainable solutions that combine technology with environmental consciousness. With increasing interest in electronics, the fusion of functionality and environmental awareness is key to future progress.