Abstract
This work aims to show the feasibility of an innovative approach for the manufacturing of organic-based devices with a true three-dimensional and customizable structure that is made possible by plastic templates, fabricated by additive manufacturing methods, and coated by conducting organic thin films. Specifically, a three-dimensional prototype based on a polyamide structure covered by poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) using the dip-coating technique demonstrated a multifunctional character. The prototype is indeed able to operate both as a three-terminal device showing the typical response of organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), with a higher amplification performance with respect to planar (2D) all-PEDOT:PSS OECTs, and as a two-terminal device able to efficiently implement a resistive sensing of water vaporization and perspiration, showing performances at least comparable to that of state-of-art resistive humidity sensors based on pristine PEDOT:PSS. To our knowledge, this is the first reported proof-of-concept of a true 3D structured OECT, obtained by exploiting a Selective laser sintering approach that, though simple in terms of 3D layout, paves the way for the integration of sensors based on OECTs into three-dimensional objects in various application areas.
Highlights
The concept of three-dimensionality in the context of organic electronics applies to technological solutions implemented via the integration of organic-based devices [1] and extends to items fabricated using specific manufacturing methods [2], such as three-dimensional (3D) printing or additive manufacturing (AM)
The recorded device transfer curve reveals a typical organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) response due to the interaction between cationic species in the electrolyte, which are injected upon the application of a positive Vgs into the PEDOT:PSS bulk, and oxidized sites on the PEDOT phase
Devices with active channels characterized by value
Summary
The concept of three-dimensionality in the context of organic electronics applies to technological solutions implemented via the integration of organic-based devices [1] and extends to items fabricated using specific manufacturing methods [2], such as three-dimensional (3D) printing or additive manufacturing (AM). The device prototypes proposed in the literature respond to specific requirements of large-area effectiveness [3], the extent of the third dimension along the out-of-plane axis is often very limited with respect to the in-plane device linear dimensions [4,5]. This is an important aspect, as the three-dimensional extent of devices can lead to new solutions and integration, offering several advantages in many fields of applications. The 3D conceptualization of device geometries enables the implementation of sensors for wearable electronics [6] and energy harvesting for building
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