HIgh Performance Transistor ever made on the Paper Subtrate

Credit : Deji Akinwande

Researchers with the University of Texas at Austin, recently demonstrated high performance 2-D monolayer "Transistors" mounted on paper substrates  At their presentation, Creating graphene and molybdenum disulfide transistors on a normal paper substrate and how well they worked nearly as well as those based on plastic, They Reported.

Here, Paper is used as Electronics base which are still quite rare. Transistors are typically made using a "plastic" or "semiconductor" base. Because Such materials can withstand the manufacturing process and work efficiently once delivered. However These materials cost significantly more than paper.

There have been several difficulties preventing the use of paper as a base of "Transistor". Such as Uneven surface, Non-conductive surface which is unable to carry current, it can absorbs water and it burns at normal manufacturing process temperatures. To get around these problems, the researchers looked for a coating that would prove capable without introducing such problems as reducing flexibility. After much searching and testing, the researchers settled on polyimide, a type of plastic that is already used as a base for some printed electronic devices. They found that when used as a coating on paper, it provided the necessary smooth surface and was also waterproof. Showing that it could survive the heat introduced during the typical manufacturing process took more work. After some trial and error, they found a precursor that, once applied to the paper, prevented it from igniting at a reasonable 230°C—a temperature that was also low enough that it did not cause the paper to warp. The final result was also thin enough that it was still as flexible as the original paper. Report said.