Graphene ink prints out RF antenna with low cost and mass production

The first commercial graphene product is a conductive ink that can be used in printed circuits and other electronic components. Graphene inks are low cost and very soft and much more powerful than other conductive inks such as nano-metal particles.

In order to make the graphene sheet better soluble in ink, a binder is sometimes added to help solidify the ink. This graphene ink must be annealed at high temperatures to achieve its purpose. However, the annealing process can damage the material that prints graphene—paper or plastic surfaces.

According to a report by the Physicist Organization Network on May 20th, the researchers discovered a way to increase the conductivity of graphene inks without the need for adhesives. They print first, then dry the ink, and then press it with a roller, just like rolling the new pavement repeatedly with a roller.

The experimental results show that the conductivity of the compressed ink is increased by 50 times, and the graphene laminate is also twice as conductive as the graphene ink with the binder. The researchers said: "The high conductivity makes wireless RF radiation more efficient. This is the most exciting aspect of the experiment." Printing electronic technology on cheap and flexible materials such as paper and plastic means that RFID tags and other wireless technologies are more advanced. Everywhere, from a cow to a car part, it can be applied everywhere.

At present, most commercial RFID tags are composed of metallic aluminum and copper. The materials are expensive and the manufacturing process is complicated. Graphene-based RFID tags can significantly reduce the cost of materials. The research team has already begun planning to develop graphene RFID tags, as well as sensors and wearable electronics.