A comprehensive review on piezoelectric inks: From concept to application

Abstract

Piezoelectric inks have emerged as a promising technological innovation in the field of flexible electronics, sensors, and energy-harvesting devices. Current review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the key aspects related to piezoelectric inks, including their definition, synthesis methods, composition, raw materials, commercial ink products, sustainability aspects, advantages, limitations, and printing techniques. A detailed exploration of various synthesis approaches for piezoelectric inks has been presented, encompassing methods such as sol-gel, solid-state synthesis, chemical precipitation, spray pyrolysis, electrospinning, and hydrothermal synthesis. Additionally, this study also addresses the critical components required to achieve piezoelectricity in inks, focusing on the integration of piezoelectric nanoparticles or nanomaterials into the ink matrix. Considering the diverse range of applications for piezoelectric inks, the study delves into the composition and selection of raw materials. Special emphasis is placed on exploring eco-friendly and sustainable materials that can contribute to ink formulations with reduced environmental footprint. The study also evaluates the current state of commercial piezoelectric inks available in the market, analyzing their performance, compatibility with different printing techniques, and potential for mass production. The advantages of utilizing piezoelectric inks in various applications are highlighted, including their high sensitivity, mechanical flexibility, low power consumption, and compatibility with flexible substrates. However, acknowledging that no technology is without limitations, the paper discusses the challenges associated with piezoelectric inks, such as limited material availability, processing complexities, and potential reliability issues. Lastly, the review provides insights into the printing techniques employed for depositing piezoelectric inks onto different substrates, such as inkjet printing, screen printing, and aerosol jet printing, among others, while discussing their respective advantages and limitations.