Polymer Nanocarpets to Electrify Smart Fabrics
April 18, 2018 | Tomsk Polytechnic UniversityEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
Researchers from Tomsk Polytechnic University together with their international colleagues have discovered a method to modify the ultra-thin conductor of current and heat graphene without destroying it. Thanks to the novel method the researchers were able to synthesize on graphene samples of a well-structured polymer with a strong covalent bond, which they called ‘polymer carpets’. The entire structure is highly stable; it is less prone to degradation over the time that makes the study promising for the development of organic flexible electronics. In addition, if a layer of molybdenum disulphide is added over the ‘nanocarpet’, the resulting structure generates current under exposure to light. The study results were published in Journal of Materials Chemistry C.
The scheme for obtaining a hybrid structure of "graphene-polymer".
Graphene is simultaneously the most durable, light and an electrically conductive carbon compound. It can be used for manufacturing solar batteries, smartphone screens, thin and flexible electronics, and even in water filters since graphene films pass water molecules and stop all other compounds. Graphene should be integrated into complex structures to be used successfully. However, it is a challenge. According to scientists, graphene itself is stable enough and reacts poorly with other compounds. In order to react it with other elements, i.e. to modify it, graphene is destroyed. This affects the properties of the materials obtained.
Professor Raul Rodrigez from the Research School for Chemistry & Applied Biomedical Sciences says: ‘When destroying graphene, you should be very careful. If you overdo, the unique properties of graphene are lost. Therefore, we decided to follow a different path.
In graphene, there are inevitable nanodefects, for example, at the junction of faces. Hydrogen atoms are often attached to such defects. It is this hydrogen that can interact with other elements.’
To modify graphene, the authors use a thin metal substrate on which a graphene layer is placed. Then graphene is covered with the solution of bromine-polystyrene molecules. The molecules interact with hydrogen and are attached to the existing defects, resulting in polyhexylthiophene (P3HT). Further exposed to light during the photocatalysis, a polymer begins to ‘grow’.
‘In the output we obtained the samples which structure resembles ‘polymer carpets’ as we name then in the paper. Above such a ‘polymer carpet’ we place molybdenum disulphide.
Due to a unique combination of materials, we obtain ‘sandwich’ structure’ that functions like a solar battery. That is, it generates current exposed to light.
In our experiments a strong covalent bond is established between the molecules of the polymer and graphene, that is critical for the stability of the material obtained,’ notes Rodrigez.
According to the researcher, the method for graphene modification, on the one hand, enables to obtain a very strong compound, on the other hand, it is rather simple and cheap as affordable compounds are used. The method is versatile because it makes it possible to react graphene with very different polymers.
‘The strength of the obtained compound is achieved additionally because of that we do not destroy graphene itself and use existing defects, and a strong covalent bond between polymer molecules. This allows us to consider the study as promising for the development of thin and flexible electronics, when solar batteries can be attached to clothes, and when deformed they will not break down,’ the professor explains.
Suggested Items
Book Excerpt: The Printed Circuit Assembler’s Guide to... Factory Analytics
04/24/2024 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamIn our fast-changing, deeply competitive, and margin-tight industry, factory analytics can be the key to unlocking untapped improvements to guarantee a thriving business. On top of that, electronics manufacturers are facing a tremendous burden to do more with less. If you don't already have a copy of this book, what follows is an excerpt from the introduction chapter of 'The Printed Circuit Assembler’s Guide to... Factory Analytics: Unlocking Efficiency Through Data Insights' to whet your appetite.
Listen Up! The Intricacies of PCB Drilling Detailed in New Podcast Episode
04/25/2024 | I-Connect007In episode 5 of the podcast series, On the Line With: Designing for Reality, Nolan Johnson and Matt Stevenson continue down the manufacturing process, this time focusing on the post-lamination drilling process for PCBs. Matt and Nolan delve into the intricacies of the PCB drilling process, highlighting the importance of hole quality, drill parameters, and design optimization to ensure smooth manufacturing. The conversation covers topics such as drill bit sizes, aspect ratios, vias, challenges in drilling, and ways to enhance efficiency in the drilling department.
Elevating PCB Design Engineering With IPC Programs
04/24/2024 | Cory Blaylock, IPCIn a monumental stride for the electronics manufacturing industry, IPC has successfully championed the recognition of the PCB Design Engineer as an official occupation by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). This pivotal achievement not only underscores the critical role of PCB design engineers within the technology landscape, but also marks the beginning of a transformative journey toward nurturing a robust, skilled workforce ready to propel our industry into the future.
Winner of The Science Show Rakett 69 Receives Incap Scholarship
04/24/2024 | IncapThe winner of the Rakett 69 science show, Andri Türkson, who stood out as an electronics enthusiast, received a scholarship from Incap Estonia, along with an internship opportunity in Saaremaa.
Alternative Manufacturing Inc. Awarded QML Requalification to IPC J-STD-001 and IPC-A-610
04/24/2024 | IPCIPC's Validation Services Program has awarded an IPC J-STD-001 and IPC-A-610 Qualified Manufacturers Listing (QML) requalification to Alternative Manufacturing Inc (AMI).