Sweet Electronics: Honey‐Gated Complementary Organic Transistors and Circuits Operating in Air. Issue 40 (21st August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sharova, Alina S.; Caironi, Mario
• Is Part Of: Advanced materials. Volume 33:Issue 40(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-08-21
• Subjects: edible electronics -- electrolyte‐gated transistors -- honey -- organic electronics -- printed electronics; Materials -- Periodicals; Chemical vapor deposition -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/adma.202103183
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0935-9648

Abstract

Abstract: Sustainable harnessing of natural resources is key moving toward a new‐generation electronics, which features a unique combination of electronic functionality, low cost, and absence of environmental and health hazards. Within this framework, edible electronics, of which transistors and circuits are a fundamental component, is an emerging field, exploiting edible materials that can be safely ingested, and subsequently digested after performing their function. Dielectrics are a critical functional element of transistors, often constituting their major volume. Yet, to date, there are only scarce examples of electrolytic food‐based materials able to provide low‐voltage operation of transistors at ambient conditions. In this context, a cost‐effective and edible substance, honey, is proposed to be used as an electrolytic gate viscous dielectric in electrolyte‐gated organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs). Both n‐ and p‐type honey‐gated OFETs (HGOFETs) are demonstrated, with distinctive features such as low voltage (<1 V) operation, long‐term shelf life and operation stability in air, and compatibility with large‐area fabrication processes, such as inkjet printing on edible tattoo‐paper. Such complementary devices enable robust honey‐based integrated logic circuits, here exemplified by inverting logic gates and ring oscillators. A marked device responsivity to humidity provides promising opportunities for sensing applications, specifically, for moisture control of dried or dehydrated food. Abstract : The development of edible electronics devices requires unconventional solutions, in particular, the use of functional food‐based materials in the design. An inherently safe and nutritive compound, honey, is hereby proposed as an effective gating medium for the realization of air‐stable complementary organic transistors and circuits operating at low voltage (<1 V) and featuring other distinctive electronic functionalities.