Article
Automation & Control Systems
Bin Bao, Dmitriy D. Karnaushenko, Oliver G. Schmidt, Yanlin Song, Daniil Karnaushenko
Summary: This article reviews recent advances in active matrix flexible sensory systems, including the materials used, pixel designs, and fabrication strategies. Flexible sensory systems have a wide range of applications in pressure, temperature, photodetection, magnetic sensing, and biosignal sensing, with various advanced functionalities.
ADVANCED INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Runxiao Shi, Xuchi Liu, Tengteng Lei, Lei Lu, Zhihe Xia, Man Wong
Summary: This article describes the application of a versatile, low-temperature thin-film transistor (TFT) technology in implementing an analog front-end (AFE) system for bio-potential signal acquisition. The AFE system consists of three integrated components: a bias-filter circuit, a 4-stage differential amplifier, and an additional notch filter. The use of semiconducting amorphous indium-gallium-zinc oxide (IGZO) allows for capacitors and resistors with reduced footprints and achieves a record-setting figure-of-merit.
Review
Physics, Applied
Federica Catania, Hugo de Souza Oliveira, Pasindu Lugoda, Giuseppe Cantarella, Niko Munzenrieder
Summary: The development of new materials and advanced fabrication techniques has allowed electronics to transform from bulky rigid structures to unobtrusive soft systems, leading to the realization of new thin-film devices on unconventional substrates. These innovations have enabled the creation of smart structures for tasks beyond the capabilities of traditional electronics or substrates.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jian Tang, Qinqin Wang, Jinpeng Tian, Xiaomei Li, Na Li, Yalin Peng, Xiuzhen Li, Yanchong Zhao, Congli He, Shuyu Wu, Jiawei Li, Yutuo Guo, Biying Huang, Yanbang Chu, Yiru Ji, Dashan Shang, Luojun Du, Rong Yang, Wei Yang, Xuedong Bai, Dongxia Shi, Guangyu Zhang
Summary: The authors present a gate-first fabrication technique that allows the fabrication of wafer-scale monolayer MoS2 integrated circuits (ICs) with high performance and low power consumption. The developed ultra-thin dielectric/metal gate structure enables the realization of thin film transistors based on high-quality monolayer MoS2 on both rigid and flexible substrates. The demonstrated ICs operate at voltages below 1 V, making them potentially useful for portable, wearable, and implantable electronics.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Lian Cheng, Jun Li, Aiying Guo, Jianhua Zhang
Summary: Surface electromyography (sEMG) is a technique used for analyzing human muscle biopotential, and flexible noninvasive electrodes (FNEs) have been developed to extract bioelectrical signals. Improving signal-to-noise ratio and density is essential for FNEs to be effective in sEMG acquisition due to the small amplitude of the signals. This review highlights recent advancements in FNEs for sEMG acquisition, including the desired properties, differences between passive and active electrodes, and potential applications. The challenges and future prospects in sEMG acquisition are also discussed.
NPJ FLEXIBLE ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Lu Zheng, Xuewen Wang, Hanjun Jiang, Manzhang Xu, Wei Huang, Zheng Liu
Summary: Flexible electronics is an interdisciplinary research field that offers novel device configurations, low-cost, and low-power consumption. 2D materials, especially transition metal dichalcogenides, show great potential in flexible electronic devices and optoelectronic devices due to their excellent electrical, optical, and mechanical properties. The review discusses the recent progress and applications of 2D TMDs in flexible electronics, covering fundamental electrical and mechanical properties, flexible device configurations, and performance in transistors, sensors, and photodetectors, as well as future challenges and prospects for these devices.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ping Ren, Runqiao Song, Yong Zhu, Brendan O'Connor, Jingyan Dong
Summary: The demand for cost-effective fabrication of printed flexible transistors has increased due to the need for flexible interface devices like e-skins, wearables, and medical patches. This study develops electrohydrodynamic printing processes to fabricate all components of polymer-based organic thin film transistors, streamlining the fabrication procedure. The fully EHD-printed OTFTs show good electrical performance and great mechanical flexibility, providing a cost-effective route for flexible electronics.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lingyi Lan, Jianfeng Ping, Jiaqing Xiong, Yibin Ying
Summary: Flexible electronic devices play important roles as intelligent interfaces in various applications, and using bio-origin materials offers new opportunities for constructing devices with higher safety and environmental adaptivity. This review provides a comprehensive and systematic summary of the latest advances in natural bio-origin material-based flexible devices, including their properties, processing technologies, and applications in energy harvesting, energy storage, and sensing. The review also discusses future challenges and prospects for developing high-performance bio-origin material-based flexible devices.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mingyu Sang, Kyubeen Kim, Jongwoon Shin, Ki Jun Yu
Summary: This study introduces the recent developments in wearable and implantable bioelectronics through the use of ultra-thin encapsulation technologies and novel materials, aiming to improve the stability and electrical performance of the devices and optimize their use in physiological environments.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xianzhe Liu, Jianhua Zhang, Yu-Shien Shiah, Junghwan Kim, Honglong Ning, Kuankuan Lu, Xiuhua Cao, Wei Xu, Rihui Yao, Junbiao Peng
Summary: Amorphous oxide semiconductors (AOSs) have recently gained attention for their advantages, especially for next-generation flexible electronics. However, most AOS TFTs still require high-temperature postannealing treatments, posing challenges for flexible substrates. This study proposes a Sn-Si-O system for low-temperature process and defect suppression, demonstrating high-performance flexible Sn-Si-O TFTs with room temperature fabricability.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Arunprabaharan Subramanian, Mona Azimi, Clara Santato, Fabio Cicoira
Summary: The study focuses on the transistor behavior of SnO2 nanorod films gated with different gating media and investigates the IGTs in their original flat and tensile bending state. The use of controlled aqueous growth technique for film preparation, low-temperature solution processing and printing methods, as well as the utilization of aqueous electrolyte for gating medium, make the devices highly promising for green and sustainable electronics.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xingwei Ding, Bing Yang, Haiyang Xu, Jie Qi, Xifeng Li, Jianhua Zhang
Summary: UV treatment at room temperature was used to prepare high-quality IZO thin films for TFT fabrication. The structure of IZO thin films was gradually rearranged after UV treatment, resulting in good M-O-M network formation and bonds.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Rei Shiwaku, Hiroyuki Matsui, Yuki Hommura, Yasunori Takeda, Kuniaki Nagamine, Shizuo Tokito
Summary: A wireless, real-time, and flexible sodium ion sensing system composed of a printed Na+ sensor, printed OTFT-based amplifiers, inorganic passive elements, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) module, and a 3-V sheet-type battery is demonstrated. The printed organic amplifier circuits, combinable with a BLE module, are developed based on dual threshold technology and dual-gate structure. The sensitivity to Na+ concentration is improved by 4.5 times through the use of the OTFT-based amplifier, and the data is transmitted in real-time to a tablet via BLE wireless communication.
ADVANCED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiajun Song, Hong Liu, Zeyu Zhao, Peng Lin, Feng Yan
Summary: Flexible and stretchable biosensors are increasingly utilized for acquiring high-fidelity signals in emerging applications. Organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) are ideal candidates for flexible and stretchable biosensing due to their soft nature, amplification function, biocompatibility, functionalization ease, low cost, and device diversity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the advancements in flexible-OTFT-based biosensors, discussing their features, functionalization strategies, applications in wearable, implantable, and portable electronics, as well as neuromorphic biointerfaces. Special attention is given to emerging stretchable organic transistors and their engineering routes for achieving stretchability, along with their implementations in e-skin and smart textiles. The remaining challenges and future opportunities in this field are also summarized.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Brittany N. Smith, Hope Meikle, James L. Doherty, Shiheng Lu, Gianna Tutoni, Matthew L. Becker, Michael J. Therien, Aaron D. Franklin
Summary: Printed carbon nanotube thin-film transistors (CNT-TFTs) are promising for flexible electronics, but printing the gate dielectric layer is challenging. Ionic dielectrics show potential but their composition and stress effects are not well understood. This study investigates three different ionic dielectrics in fully printed CNT-TFTs and reveals trade-offs in performance and stability. CNC exhibits the best low-voltage operation, while ion gel and elastomer show better stability under bias and mechanical stress.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Elia Scattolo, Alessandro Cian, Luisa Petti, Paolo Lugli, Damiano Giubertoni, Giovanni Paternoster
Summary: In recent years, there has been increasing interest in detectors capable of detecting single photons in the near-infrared (NIR) due to new applications such as LiDAR for autonomous driving. A silicon single-photon avalanche diode is a promising technology, but its efficiency is limited by the low absorption coefficient of Si in the NIR. This study aims to overcome this limitation by integrating CMOS-compatible nanostructures on silicon photodetectors, specifically using silver grating arrays supporting surface plasmons polaritons (SPPs) to increase the probability of photons generating an electron-hole pair. The integrated detector demonstrated a QE of 13% at 950 nm, suggesting the realization of a low-cost silicon device capable of detecting single NIR photons with compatibility with standard CMOS technology platforms.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mukhtar Ahmad, Martina Aurora Costa Angeli, Pietro Ibba, Sahira Vasquez, Bajramshahe Shkodra, Paolo Lugli, Luisa Petti
Summary: Printing technologies have become a viable method for fabricating electronic components, but they have limitations in terms of surface roughness and thickness. This study investigates the variability of paper-based printed antenna performance due to different printing processes, ink carrier absorption, and temperature variance. Screen-printed antennas show better performance compared to other printed antennas, and the resonance frequency of antennas is affected by printing process and ink carrier absorption. The permittivity/dielectric constant of the paper substrate is significantly influenced by ink carrier absorption and temperature variance.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Raheel Riaz, Bhaskar Dudem, Martina Aurora Costa Angeli, Ali Douaki, Mukhtar Ahmad, Abraham Mejia-Aguilar, Roberto Monsorno, Paolo Lugli, Ravi Silva, Luisa Petti
Summary: A unique ridge-structured device capable of sensing a wide range of forces, from low forces to high forces, is reported. The device is composed of a thermoplastic polyurethane layer sandwiched between two textured silicon elastomeric layers. The optimized device shows a maximum peak output power and current densities of 490 mW m(-2) and 1750 μA m(-2), respectively, at 30 N and 7 Hz of compressive forces. The proposed device exhibits stable electrical output for 10000 cycles and can be used as wearable sensors for monitoring pulse rate, breath patterns, and gait movements.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Antonio Orlando, Asma Mushtaq, Andrea Gaiardo, Matteo Valt, Lia Vanzetti, Martina Aurora Costa Angeli, Enrico Avancini, Bajramshahe Shkodra, Mattia Petrelli, Pietro Tosato, Soufiane Krik, David Novel, Paolo Lugli, Luisa Petti
Summary: Solid-state chemiresistive gas sensors, particularly those based on carbon nanotubes, have received significant research attention due to their high sensitivity, low power consumption, low cost, and portability. This study explores the use of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)-based sensing films deposited by spray deposition for gas sensor fabrication. Different surfactants were utilized during deposition to investigate their impact on sensor performance. The results showed high selectivity towards ammonia (NH3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), with enhanced responses under humid conditions and at elevated temperatures. The best sensing conditions were achieved against NO2, utilizing sensors with 10 layers of deposition and operating at 150 degrees C.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Annelot Nijkoops, Manuela Ciocca, Soufiane Krik, Ali Douaki, Arvind Gurusekaran, Sahira Vasquez, Mattia Petrelli, Martina Aurora Costa Angeli, Luisa Petti, Paolo Lugli
Summary: This study investigates the use of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) combined with conjugated polymers (CPs) to create chemiresistive gas sensors with improved recovery. The results show that the P3HT/SWCNTs/IDEs sensors outperform other configurations in terms of response time, sensor response, and recovery to the baseline when exposed to 5, 25, and 50 ppm of ammonia gas. These findings suggest that the addition of CPs such as P3HT could enhance the performance and stability of SWCNTs-based chemiresistive gas sensors, opening up new possibilities for future research in this field.
IEEE SENSORS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Mattia Petrelli, Ata Golparvar, Ali Meimandi, Bajramshahe Shkodra, Martina Aurora Costa Angeli, Aniello Falco, Paolo Lugli, Luisa Petti, Sandro Carrara
Summary: In this study, a custom-designed and flexible readout circuitry was developed for detecting ammonium in sweat using electrolyte-gated carbon nanotube field-effect transistor-based biosensors. The active material used was semiconducting carbon nanotubes deposited by spray-coating, and ion-selective membranes functionalized with a nonactin ionophore were employed. The readout circuitry was designed to enable low-power operation with a single coin-cell battery and compact wireless data transmission. The results showed a high sensitivity of 4.516 $\mu$A/decade for analyzing sweat ammonium levels, covering the relevant range of interest for sport monitoring. The developed fully flexible bioelectronic system demonstrated good and reliable performance when benchmarked against a gold standard instrument.
IEEE SENSORS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Bajramshahe Shkodra, Mattia Petrelli, Martina Aurora Costa Angeli, A. K. M. Sarwar Inam, Paolo Lugli, Luisa Petti
Summary: Electrochemical biosensors, especially those employing electrolyte-gated field-effect transistors (EG-FETs), have gained increasing interest due to their simplicity, high sensitivity, and low voltage operation range. In this study, flexible EG-FETs were fabricated using spray-deposited carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and the performance of the resulting EG-CNTFET was optimized by optimizing the CNT channel. The fabricated EG-CNTFETs were then functionalized with antibodies to detect spermidine, a chemical indicator of food quality, and showed a linear detection range and sensitivity.
IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
A. K. M. Sarwar Inam, Martina Aurora Costa Angeli, Bajramshahe Shkodra, Ali Douaki, Enrico Avancini, Luca Magagnin, Luisa Petti, Paolo Lugli
Summary: This study presents a novel flexible amperometric sensor with excellent electrocatalytic activity and high sensitivity for the detection of nitrate in water.
IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sahira Vasquez, Martina Aurora Costa Angeli, Mattia Petrelli, Mukhtar Ahmad, Bajramshahe Shkodra, Barbara Salonikidou, Radu A. Sporea, Almudena Rivadeneyra, Paolo Lugli, Luisa Petti
Summary: This study compares screen, inkjet, and dispense printing for the fabrication of CNT-based ammonia gas sensors and concludes that screen printing is the most suitable method.
FLEXIBLE AND PRINTED ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Biomedical
Ata Golparvar, Assim Boukhayma, Mattia Petrelli, Christian Enz, Sandro Carrara
Summary: Non-enhanced Raman spectroscopy is used for urea sensing in sweat, eliminating the need for surface enhancement or bulky lasers. The technique shows potential for mobile and wearable photonic technologies. It allows for the prediction of urea concentration in urine by analyzing the urea concentration in sweat.
OPTICAL DIAGNOSTICS AND SENSING XXIII
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bajramshahe Shkodra, Mattia Petrelli, Kyung-Ae Yang, Anna Tagliaferri, Paolo Lugli, Luisa Petti, Nako Nakatsuka
Summary: This study explores an alternative non-covalent surface chemistry method for functionalizing CNTs with aptamers. The adhesive properties of poly-d-lysine are used to coat the surface of CNTs, and histamine-specific DNA aptamers are grafted electrostatically in close proximity to the CNTs semiconducting channel. The layer-by-layer assembly is monitored using complementary techniques and the results confirm the integration of histamine aptamers into PDL-coated CNTs.
FARADAY DISCUSSIONS
(2023)