Invited Paper MS+TF-WeA7
Circuits on Cellulose: From Transistors to LEDS, from Displays to Microfluidics on Paper

Wednesday, November 12, 2014, 4:20 pm, Room 302

Organic electronics is a rapidly growing field due to a combination of strong performance from improving materials with the low fabrication cost associated with large area printing technology. Recently, the incorporation into organic electronic technology of natural biomaterials that are renewable and biodegradable is being increasingly investigated with the goal of producing “green” electronics that is environment-friendly.

In this presentation, a review is given on the use of cellulose-based paper as a material in a variety of electronic (and related) applications, including transistors, light emitting diodes, displays, microfluidics. Paper is a very attractive material for many device applications: very low cost, available in almost any size, versatile surface finishes, portable and flexible. From an environmental point of view, paper is a renewable resource and is readily disposable (incineration, biodegradable). Applications of paper-based electronics [1,2] currently being considered or investigated include biochips, sensors, communication circuits, batteries, smart packaging, electronic displays. The potential advantages of paper-based devices are in many cases very compelling. For example, lab-on-chip devices fabricated on paper for bio/medical applications [3] use the capillary properties of paper to operate without the need of external power sources, greatly simplifying the design and reducing the cost. Specific examples of paper-based devices will be discussed, including organic light emitting diodes [4] (OLED) and field effect transistors [5] (OFET) on flexible and transparent paper, medical diagnostic devices utilizing lateral capillary flow on paper.

1. D. Tobjork and R. Osterbacka, “Paper electronics”. Adv Mater 23, 1935, doi:10.1002/adma.201004692 (2011).

2. A. J. Steckl, “Circuits on Cellulose”, IEEE Spectrum 50 (2) 48, doi:10.1109/MSPEC.2013.6420146 (2013).

3. Rolland, J. P. & Mourey, D. A. “Paper as a novel material platform for devices”, MRS Bulletin 38, 299, doi:10.1557/mrs.2013.58 (2013).

4. S. Purandare, E. F. Gomez and A. J. Steckl, “High brightness phosphorescent organic light emitting diodes on transparent and flexible cellulose films”, IOP Nanotechnology, 25, 094012, doi 10. 1088/0957-4484/25/9/094012 (March 2014).

5. A. Zocco, H. You, J. A. Hagen and A. J. Steckl, “Pentacene organic thin-film transistors on flexible paper and glass substrates”, IOP Nanotechnology, 25, 094005 , doi 10.1088/0957-4484/25/9/094005 (March 2014).