All-printed complementary OECT-based circuits

Purpose and goal:

The project develops a sustainable electronics platform using environmentally friendly materials and manufacturing via printing technology. Organic electrochemical transistors (OECT) are the cornerstone of this platform. OECTs are now an emerging technology and Sweden is a leading nation in the field.

The goal is to create complementary OECT-based circuits, via semiconductor synthesis, ink formulation, modeling, circuit design and fabrication. The circuits can then be used in various bioelectronic deeptech applications, e.g. monitoring of electrophysiological signals. Expected results and effects:

OECTs enable low-voltage applications involving both ions and electrons. The OECTs also bring other advantages that cannot be reached with conventional electronics; stretchability and conformability make the OECTs suitable for wearable bioelectronic applications, e.g., signal monitoring in brain-computer interfaces and the creation of artificial neurons and synapses within neuromorphics.

These unique features of the OECTs bring superior functionalities in comparison with any other existing technology. Harmless materials and less e-waste are equally important effects. Approach and implementation:

Printed OECTs already exist, but this project aims at the development of printed complementary circuits and will therefore involve activities on synthesis, ink formulations, printing and characterization. The activities in the different work packages will be carried out iteratively, and split between RISE and LiU; two partners already deeply involved in the OECT development.

The stability of the developed materials and devices, in ambient environment, is critical to evaluate, and may lead to adjustments of the materials synthesized as well as the manufacturing approach.