Ionic Conductive Cellulose Mats by Solution Blow Spinning as Substrate and a Dielectric Interstrate Layer for Flexible Electronics

Renewable cellulose substrates with submicron- and nanoscale structures have revived interest in paper electronics. However, the processes behind their production are still complex and time- and energy-consuming. Besides, the weak electrolytic properties of cellulose with submicron- and nanoscale structures have hindered its application in transistors and integrated circuits with low-voltage operation. Here, we report a simple, low-cost approach to produce flexible ionic conductive cellulose mats using solution blow spinning, which are used both as dielectric interstrate and substrate in low-voltage devices. The electrochemical properties of the cellulose mats are tuned through infiltration with alkali hydroxides (LiOH, NaOH, or KOH), enabling their application as dielectric and substrate in flexible, low-voltage, oxide-based field-effect transistors and pencil-drawn resistor-loaded inverters. The transistors exhibit good transistor performances under operation voltage below 2.5 V, and their electrical performance is strictly related to the type of alkali ionic specie incorporated. Devices fabricated on K'-infiltrated cellulose mats present the best characteristics, indicating pure capacitive charging of the semiconductor. The pencil-drawn load resistor inverter presents good dynamic performance. These findings may pave the way for a new generation of low-power, wearable electronics, enabling concepts such as the Internet of Things.

Automated summary

This study introduces a simple and cost-effective method to produce flexible ionic conductive cellulose mats using solution blow spinning, which are used as dielectric interstrate and substrate in low-voltage devices. The electrochemical properties of these cellulose mats can be tuned through infiltration with alkali hydroxides, enabling their application in flexible, low-voltage, oxide-based field-effect transistors and pencil-drawn resistor-loaded inverters. The devices fabricated on K'-infiltrated cellulose mats show the best characteristics, suggesting potential for low-power, wearable electronics and concepts like the Internet of Things.