In a world increasingly inundated with electronic waste, the idea of a paper-based electronic system is not only innovative but also environmentally friendly. This is the vision of Seokheun (Sean) Choi, a professor at Binghamton University, who has been granted $400,000 by the National Science Foundation to bring this idea to life.
Choi’s project, dubbed “integrated papertronics”, aims to develop a completely paper-based electronic system as an alternative to silicon- and plastic-based components. The project is rooted in Choi’s previous work in creating biobatteries, some of which were paper-based, powered by bacteria or human sweat. Now, he aims to apply this knowledge to create circuit boards and related components.
The grant from the National Science Foundation marks Choi’s ninth federal grant since joining Binghamton University, with seven from the NSF and two from the Office of Naval Research. The funding will be used over three years to develop multilayered, high-performance circuit boards printed on paper using densely concentrated, highly conductive metallic wires. The project also aims to create flexible paper-based components that can be integrated into these papertronic systems.
Choi, a faculty member in the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, believes that this fully paper-based project is a unique concept that captured the interest of the NSF. He aims to replace conventional electronic components with paper-based capacitors, registers, and transistors.
With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), which uses tiny sensors to connect devices, it is estimated that there will be over 1 trillion electronic devices worldwide by 2035. Current manufacturing methods would generate millions of tons of e-waste, contributing significantly to environmental pollution. Choi’s project aims to address this issue by offering a sustainable alternative.
The professor’s long-term goal is to create a green and renewable electronic system. Drawing on his years of research and experience in the field of bioelectronics and microsystems, Choi believes his team at Binghamton’s Bioelectronics and Microsystems Lab can take papertronics to the next level.
However, the project is not without its challenges. One major hurdle will be identifying non-toxic materials that can effectively function in the system without causing environmental harm later on. In previous work, toxic materials were used for the sake of functionality, but Choi is now committed to utilizing biodegradable materials even for minor components.
Choi’s vision for an entirely paper-based electronic system could revolutionize not only the electronics industry but also significantly reduce e-waste. As we continue to advance in technology, particularly in areas such as computers and programming languages, it is crucial to develop sustainable practices that will not harm our environment. The development of papertronics represents a significant step towards this goal.
The project holds promise for those interested in electronics and coding, as it offers a new perspective on how we can integrate sustainability into these fields. As we continue to innovate and evolve our technology, projects like Choi’s remind us of the importance of considering our environmental impact in all aspects of our work.