Graphene Conductive Ink: Properties, Synthesis and Applications

What is Graphene Conductive Ink?

Graphene conductive ink is a groundbreaking technology that has revolutionized the field of electronics and beyond. Its unique properties make it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, from flexible electronics to energy storage devices.

Figure 1. 3D extrusion printing process and example of an extrusion printed chemo-resistive VOC sensing device.

Product List

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Catalog Number	Product Name
ACM1034343980-55	Graphene Ink, Solid
ACM7782425-168	Graphene ink, liquid
ACM7782425-169	Graphene ink in water
ACMA00003258	Graphene ink for spin/spray coating photonically annealable
ACMA00000129	Graphene dispersion
ACMA00020966	Conductive graphene ink solvent based
ACMA00020967	Conductive graphene ink solvent based with binder
ACMA00020968	Conductive graphene ink water based with binder
ACMA00027133	Conductive Graphene Inks
ACMA00064383	Single Layer Graphene Ink-Jet Printable Conductive Ink

Properties of Graphene Conductive Ink

Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice, exhibits remarkable properties that set it apart from other materials. It is known for its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, high mechanical strength, and optical transparency. These properties make graphene an attractive material for use in conductive inks, enabling the fabrication of high-performance electronic devices.

In graphene conductive ink, graphene flakes are dispersed in a solvent along with binders and additives to create a conductive paste. The ink can be printed onto various substrates using techniques like inkjet printing or screen printing, allowing for the precise patterning of conductive traces. The high conductivity of graphene enables the ink to form stable and reliable connections, making it ideal for use in flexible electronics and wearable devices.

Synthesis of Graphene Conductive Ink

The synthesis of graphene conductive ink typically involves two main steps: synthesis of graphene and formulation of the ink.

One common method for synthesizing graphene is chemical vapor deposition (CVD), where a carbon-containing gas is decomposed on a metal substrate to form a graphene film. The graphene film is then transferred onto a suitable substrate, such as a plastic or paper substrate, to form a conductive flexible material.

To formulate the graphene conductive ink, the graphene is typically dispersed in a solvent, such as ethanol or water, along with a binder and additives to improve adhesion and conductivity. The ink can be applied using various printing techniques, such as screen printing or inkjet printing, to create patterns or circuits on a substrate.

Overall, the synthesis of graphene conductive ink involves careful control of the graphene synthesis process and formulation of the ink to ensure optimal conductivity and adhesion properties for the desired application.

Applications of Graphene Conductive Ink

• Printed electronics: Graphene conductive ink can be used to print circuitry on flexible substrates, enabling the creation of lightweight, bendable electronics such as wearable devices, sensors, and RFID tags.
• Energy storage: Graphene conductive ink can be used to manufacture electrodes for supercapacitors and batteries, thanks to its high electrical conductivity and surface area. This can lead to the development of high-performance energy storage devices with increased capacity and faster charging times.
• Transparent conductive films: Graphene conductive ink can be used to coat surfaces with a thin, transparent layer of graphene, making it suitable for applications such as touchscreens, solar cells, and flexible displays.
• 3D printing: Graphene conductive ink can be used in 3D printing to create complex structures with conductive properties, such as antennas, sensors, and electronic components.
• Biomedical applications: Graphene conductive ink can be used to create biosensors for detecting biological molecules and monitoring health parameters, as well as for neural interfaces and biocompatible electrodes for medical devices.

Reference

1. Hassan, K., et al. Graphene ink for 3D extrusion micro printing of chemo-resistive sensing devices for volatile organic compound detection. Nanoscale. 2021, 13(10), 5356-5368.