Selective Growth of Graphene-Confined Inkjet-Printed Sn Nanoparticles on Plastic Using Intense Pulsed Light Annealing

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• Graphene-based nanomaterials on flexible substrates are crucial for next-generation technologies.
• Hybrid nanomaterials combining graphene and nanoparticles enhance device performance.
• Conventional methods for high-quality graphene nanocomposites require high temperatures and long processing times.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a novel, scalable additive manufacturing approach for creating tin (Sn) patterns on polymer foil.
• To selectively convert these Sn patterns into Sn@graphene (Sn@G) nanocomposite films under atmospheric conditions.
• To demonstrate the application of these Sn@G patterns as electrodes in Li-ion microbatteries and triboelectric nanogenerators.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a combination of inkjet printing and intense flashlight irradiation techniques.
• Printed Sn patterns on polymer foil, followed by selective conversion using light pulses.
• Achieved localized graphitization of the polymer surface acting as a carbon source for Sn@G formation.

Main Results:

• Successfully fabricated Sn@graphene (Sn@G) core-shell patterns on flexible polymer foil.
• Demonstrated a significant decrease in electrical sheet resistance, with an optimal value of 72 ± 2 Ω/sq.
• Showcased excellent resistance of Sn@G patterns against air oxidation for extended periods.
• Validated the performance of Sn@G patterns as electrodes in Li-ion microbatteries and triboelectric nanogenerators.

Conclusions:

• The developed technique offers a versatile, eco-friendly, and cost-effective method for producing graphene-based nanomaterials on flexible substrates.
• This approach enables rapid, low-temperature synthesis of functional nanocomposite patterns.
• The findings provide new insights into scalable additive manufacturing of advanced nanomaterials for electronic devices.