Electrohydrodynamic Jet Printing Mechanisms and Applications to Flexible Electronic Devices

Abstract

Abstract In the field of biomedical devices and their applications, electrohydrodynamic jet (E-Jet) printing plays a crucial role in the fabrication of next-generation fine medical devices by virtue of its high resolution and precise control. This study focuses on optimizing the electrohydrodynamic jet printing fabrication process for flexible circuits using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on flexible substrates. In order to control the relationship between high preparation accuracy and low energy consumption, the working and geometrical parameters of the experimental process, such as voltage, printing speed and working height, are then explored in relation to the prepared circuits. The different states of the printing process are demonstrated in conjunction with computational fluid dynamics studies, and the causes of Taylor cone formation, cone-jet generation, jet rupture and droplet expansion are explained. The results show that the preparation of silver nanoparticle circuits using E-Jet printing technology can achieve micron-level discrimination and low energy consumption flexible circuits by regulating the process parameters, and the prepared flexible silver circuits have achieved 500 severe cyclic bending tests of 120° in the bending cycle. The results of this study provide a simple and stable solution for the preparation of E-Jet printed flexible circuits and offer a viable strategy for the fabrication of high-resolution biomedical devices.