Sustainable nanomanufacturing: two-dimensional materials transfer using a bioderived and biodegradable supportive...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Green Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Conventional 2D material transfer methods use non-biodegradable polymers, leading to environmental concerns from solvent use and transfer-induced defects.
• There is a need for sustainable and efficient methods for 2D material transfer in nanodevice fabrication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a biodegradable polyester, poly-angelica lactone (PAL), from bio-based angelica lactone (α-AL).
• To utilize PAL as a support layer for the eco-friendly transfer of 2D materials, such as graphene.
• To evaluate the quality of transferred 2D materials and the efficiency of PAL removal.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of poly-angelica lactone (PAL) from angelica lactone (α-AL).
• Characterization of PAL biodegradability using FTIR and 1H NMR.
• Analysis of PAL molecular weight and thermal properties using GPC and DSC.
• Application of PAL as a support for graphene transfer and evaluation of transfer quality and removal time.
• Demonstration of fungal (yeast) degradation of PAL for efficient removal.

Main Results:

• Biodegradable PAL was successfully synthesized and characterized.
• PAL facilitated the transfer of graphene with minimal strain (< ±0.5%) and doping (< 0.5 × 10^12 e cm^-2).
• PAL removal was achieved in under 30 minutes, significantly faster than conventional methods.
• Yeast efficiently degraded the PAL support layer, showcasing a green removal process.

Conclusions:

• Poly-angelica lactone (PAL) offers a sustainable and biodegradable alternative to conventional polymers for 2D material transfer.
• This approach minimizes environmental impact and preserves the quality of transferred 2D materials.
• The fungal degradation method presents a novel and eco-friendly pathway for support layer removal in nanodevice fabrication.