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A review of functional E-jet inks for manufacturing flexible sensors

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Abstract

In preparing flexible sensors, electrohydrodynamic inkjet printing technology is a commonly used method to print and pattern functional inks uniformly with high precision. This paper reviews the latest research results of functional inks for manufacturing flexible sensors using electrohydrodynamic inkjet printing (E-jet) technology. Firstly, the functional inks are categorized into metal nanomaterial inks, carbon material series inks, and organic polymer inks, as well as ceramic nanoparticle inks and metal oxide inks, and the processing of these functional inks in the fabrication of flexible sensors is discussed in detail, while the advantages and limitations of different types of functional inks are compared. Finally, the challenges facing the printing and manufacturing of flexible sensors by E-jet technology are discussed, and the future development prospects are envisioned to promote the further development and application of flexible sensors manufactured by E-jet technology.

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Figure 1

Source: Reproduced with permission from reference [38] (Zou et al. 2021) by Applied Surface Science.

Figure 2

Source: Reproduced with permission from reference [77] (Ma et al. 2023) by Advanced Materials Technologies.

Figure 3

Source: Reproduced with permission from reference [100] (Jiang et al. 2020) by Procedia Manufacturing.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Key Research Projects of basic scientific research projects of Liaoning Provincial Department of Education (Grant No. JYTZD2023169).

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    Ke Xu & Zixuan Zhang

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Xu, K., Zhang, Z. A review of functional E-jet inks for manufacturing flexible sensors. J Mater Sci (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-024-09979-6

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