3D‐Printed Disposable Wireless Sensors with Integrated Microelectronics for Large Area Environmental Monitoring

Abstract

Large area environmental monitoring can play a crucial role in dealing with crisis situations. However, it is challenging as implementing a fixed sensor network infrastructure over large remote area is economically unfeasible. This work proposes disposable, compact, dispersible 3D‐printed wireless sensor nodes with integrated microelectronics which can be dispersed in the environment and work in conjunction with few fixed nodes for large area monitoring applications. As a proof of concept, the wireless sensing of temperature, humidity, and H2S levels are shown which are important for two critical environmental conditions namely forest fires and industrial leaks. These inkjet‐printed sensors and an antenna are realized on the walls of a 3D‐printed cubic package which encloses the microelectronics developed on a 3D‐printed circuit board. Hence, 3D printing and inkjet printing are uniquely combined in order to realize a low‐cost, fully integrated wireless sensor node.