Scientists are developing biodegradable screens for sustainable electronics

E-waste is a growing problem, so if an electronic component cannot be reused or recycled, it must at least be biodegradable,

This is where the new experimental electronic display screen comes into play, as it can be composted when not needed.

Scientists at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have created a type of photoelectric display that has been verified and approved for biodegradability by an independent office.

The screen uses an organic polymer known as PEDOT: PSS, where the amount of light absorption changes with the application of voltage, and as a result, individual parts of the screen change between semi-transparent and opaque states.“For the first time, we have demonstrated that it is possible to produce sustainable displays that rely largely on natural materials with the help of related production methods,” said Manuel Petsch, senior publication author and researcher at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology’s Light Technology Institute (LTI), who works at the Heidelberg InnovationLab. After use, these screens will not be electronic scrap, but can be composted. With recycling and reuse, this may help reduce or prevent some of the environmental impacts of electronic scrap altogether. Low energy consumption and simple component structure. ”

The operation of the screen depends on what is called the electrical effect of the primary organic materials. When a voltage is applied, the light absorption is modified and the material changes its color. Photovoltaic displays feature lower power consumption and simple component architecture compared to commercially available displays, such as LED, LCD, and E-paper.

Moreover, this process is suitable for scale with high throughput. The materials used are mainly of natural origin or biocompatible. Sealing with gelatin makes the screen adhesive and flexible, so it can be applied directly to the skin.,

And the screen is generally suitable for different applications in various sectors. And in medical diagnostics, for example, where there is a role in publishing houses, and their infectious or disposal after use by converting them to compost.

It can also be used for quality control in food packaging, where reuse is not permitted. Digital printing allows displays to be adapted to complex people or shapes without any costly modification of the process. This reduces resource consumption.

“As far as we know, this is the premiere of a biodegradable screen produced by inkjet printing. It will pave the way for sustainable innovation for other electronic components and green electronics,” says Gerardo Hernandez Sousa, head of LTI’s print electronics group at Heidelberg InnovationLab.

Source: phys.org