Study of laser-induced graphene-based electrodes aiming applications in biodegradable devices

• Grant number: 21/14141-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: June 01, 2022
• End date: May 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Neri Alves
• Grantee: Maykel dos Santos Klem
• Supervisor: Rodrigo Ferrão de Paiva Martins
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Presidente Prudente. Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal
• Associated to the scholarship: 18/02604-4 - Study of printed supercapacitors integrating electrolyte-gated transistors, BP.DR

Abstract

Recently, the electronics industry has transformed the world in such a way that its products have become essential to everyday life. On the other hand, the growing use of electronic devices and gadgets has increased the generation of electronic waste (e-waste). Thus, there is an urgent need to develop biodegradable electronic devices and components using techniques that also cause less damage to the environment. In this context, laser-induced graphene (LIG) has shown great potential for the development of environmentally friendly electronic devices. This material can be produced directly on biodegradable substrates, and the synthesis process does not use strong acids and oxidants, nor high-temperature ovens that consume enormous amounts of energy. The LIG exhibits a relatively high surface area (340 m² g-1), high thermal stability and high conductivity (5 - 25 S cm-1), making it excellent for applications in electronic devices as electrodes. In this project, we propose the study of LIG-based electrodes synthesized on paper for applications in biodegradable supercapacitors and electrolyte-gated transistors (EGTs). It is also intended to explore the fact that EGTs and supercapacitors have materials with common functions to produce them in the same substrate. Thus, this work aims to contribute to the development of flexible and lightweight integrated devices, entirely produced with biodegradable materials and that may have applications in wearable electronics. (AU)