High-resolution extrusion printing of Ti3C2-based inks for wearable human motion monitoring and electromagnetic interference shielding. (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ghaffarkhah, Ahmadreza; Kamkar, Milad; Dijvejin, Zahra Azimi; Riazi, Hossein; Ghaderi, Saeed; Golovin, Kevin; Soroush, Masoud; Arjmand, Mohammad
• Is Part Of: Carbon. Volume 191(2022)
• Page Start: 277
• Page End: 289
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: MXene -- Extrusion printing -- Conductive ink -- EMI shielding -- Wearable electronics; Carbon -- Periodicals; Carbone -- Périodiques; Koolstof; Toepassingen; Electronic journals; 546.681
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2022.02.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0008-6223

Abstract

Abstract: This work addresses two major challenges of MXene-based printing; that is, its low printing resolution (i.e., filament spreading >120%) and its inability to create structures with simultaneously high electrical conductivity and mechanical flexibility. We first report high-resolution extrusion printing of Ti3 C2 and composite of Ti3 C2 /poly(3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS). The printing has a negligible filament spreading (<25%) and low thickness and width variations (<20%) compared to their average values. We then fabricate Ti3 C2 /PEDOT:PSS composite structures that possess simultaneously exceptional electrical conductivity and flexibility (conductivity of 1600 ± 400 S/cm for 80 wt% Ti3 C2, which can withstand up to 3000 bending cycles). Addressing the two challenges expands the applications of MXene-based printing. For instance, micrometer-thick grids printed with our method show excellent EMI shielding effectiveness and superior specific EMI shielding effectiveness, reaching 38.4 dB and 43, 000 dB cm 2 g −1 in the case of pure Ti3 C2 and 28.1 dB and 32, 000 dB cm 2 g −1 for the composite containing 80 wt% Ti3 C2 . The printed structures of pure Ti3 C2 also perform as highly-sensitive strain sensors with a gauge factor of 11, 300 at a strain of 4%. The prepared sensors are capable of monitoring various human activities, including breathing, facial muscles movements, and talking. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Aqueous and additive-free inks of pure Ti3 C2 and composites Ti3 C2 /PEDOT:PSS were developed. High-resolution extrusion printing of Ti3 C2 -based inks was demonstrated. Printed structures of Ti3 C2 showed simultaneously high conductivity and mechanical flexibility. Printed grids of Ti3 C2 -based inks showed unique EMI shielding characteristics. Printed structures of pure Ti3 C2 were performed as highly-sensitive strain sensors.