“These inks provide a platform to fully exploit the range of properties of 2D materials by allowing for the first time a precise and scalable method for fabrication of devices using 2D materials,” enthused PhD student Daryl McManus.
Previous ink formulations either contained toxic solvents or required time-consuming and expensive processes. In addition, none was optimised for heterostructure fabrication.
Now, using graphene and other 2D materials, scientists can layer these materials in a precisely chosen sequence, known as ‘heterostructure’, to create devices tailored to a specific purpose. Such devices may include more efficient light detectors and modules that can store information encoded in binary form.
“Due to the simplicity, flexibility and low cost of device fabrication, we envisage this technology to find potential in smart packaging applications,” said Professor Cinzia Casiraghi. “There is also the possibility of implementing logic circuits made of 2D materials.”
The inks are biocompatible, which extends their possible use to biomedical applications.