Screen Printing Research Articles

Preparation and performance study of three-dimensional interconnected structured electrodes with lamellar connections

In this study, we developed an innovative strategy to fabricate perovskite oxide powder with 12.356 m2/g of specific surface area. Polyacrylamide hydrogel was used as a template to prepare Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3-δ (SSC) powders with lamellar structure. The three-dimensional interconnected structured SSC electrodes with lamellar connections were fabricate using screen printing method. As a result, the oxygen vacancy concentration of the SSC powder obtained by the polyacrylamide template method was 0.625 and 0.642 at 650 °C and 700 °C respectively. At 650°C, the polarization resistance value was 0.11 Ω cm2 for the novel SSC-PAM-V cathode. Compared with the SSC-SG cathode, the polarization resistance and activation energy of SSC-PAM-V were reduced by 50 % and 6.9 %, respectively. Furthermore, in a single cell with SSC-PAM-V electrodes, we achieved a maximum power density of 935 and 1243 mW cm−2 at 650 °C and 700 °C under wet H2 conditions, demonstrating good electrochemical output performance. The layered porous electrode was not only suitable for the diffusion of oxygen, but also for increasing the reactive active sites. The proposed powder prepared with polyacrylamide hydrogel as template, was not only suitable for the optimization of perovskite oxide, but also for the application in other types of catalysis, providing the potential for improving the electro-catalytic activity of perovskite electrodes.

Screen-printed textile substrates’ suitability as a platform for electrochemical sensors’ construction

Electronic sensors are essential in applications like biosensors and fuel cells, providing rapid solutions for substance detection. Integrating electrochemical sensors into textiles offers advantages such as flexibility, comfort, and potential for wearable applications. This study explores the suitability of three textile substrates—100 % polyester knit mesh (S1), 100 % recycled polyester knit mesh (S2), and 50 % recycled polyester/50 % hemp fabric (S3)—for constructing screen-printed electrodes (SPEs). The goal is to develop a textile-based electrochemical sensor with a 3-electrode system (reference, auxiliary, and working electrode) using semi-automated screen printing. The electrochemical performance of two carbon inks, Elantas 9553 and DuPont BQ242, was evaluated to select the best working electrode (WE) ink. DuPont BQ242 was found most suitable for WE production, exhibiting quasi-reversible behavior and temperature stability. The electrochemical behavior of the textile-SPEs printed with DuPont BQ242 revealed that substrate S3 had superior properties, with higher peak currents (peak current ratio of 1.2) and smaller peak potential separation (602 n/V). Carbon Elantas 9553 was more sensitive to temperature changes (1 % variation) than the more stable DuPont BQ242 (0.03 % variation). The stability of the inks on substrates was examined using the 4-point probe method, highlighting excellent electrical stability under UV, high temperatures, cosmetics, and artificial sweat. The final textile-based SPE outperformed commercial SPEs, showing superior redox properties, with a peak potential separation (ΔEp) 56 % smaller and a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 1.58 % over 20 measurements. These textile-based SPEs present a valuable alternative to conventional rigid sensors, which are typically single-use and less durable.

Dual-mode luminescence and anti-counterfeiting application of YVO4: Eu3+@SiO2@CDs nanocomposites

With the combination of carbon quantum dots (CDs) and rare earth-doped fluorescent materials, multi-mode luminescence can be achieved in fluorescent ink, thereby enhancing its anti-counterfeiting security coefficient. However, the self-quenching process in CDs currently hinders their application in the field of anti-counterfeiting. In this study, we employed simple chemical method to prepare the SiO2-encapsulated YVO4:Eu3+/CDs nanocomposites, which greatly improved the stability of the composite and achieved dual-mode solid-state luminescence. Quick response code anti-counterfeiting patterns were fabricated using screen printing technology, and dual-mode luminescence performance with red and blue emission was achieved under excitation at 254 nm and 365 nm respectively. The YVO4:Eu3+@SiO2@CDs nanocomposites showed stable dual-mode luminescent performance in both solid-state and solvent environment, demonstrating great potential in anticounterfeiting and information protection application.

Flexible Single‐Layer Fabric‐Based Co‐Laminar Flow Photosynthetic Microbial Fuel Cell

AbstractIn this study, textile‐based microbial photoelectrochemical solar cells are developed for flexible electronic device applications. Configuration of the self‐pumping microfluidic channel without a proton exchange membrane is adopted to miniaturize the biophotovoltaic device. The microchannel region of the miniature device is patterned by silk screen printing using a body‐friendly Ecoflex to maintain the flexibility of the fabric substrate. Gold nanoparticle biosynthesized Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 biocatalyst, supercapacitive ternary nanocomposite anode, and solid‐state Ag2O oxidant are used to enhance the biosolar cell performance. A maximum current density of 135.1 µA cm−2 and peak power density of 14.1 µW cm−2, which are higher than previous textile‐based microbial fuel cells, are achieved in the presence of light. The monolayer fabric‐based biosolar cell has a stable performance up to 100 and 20 cycles of stretching and twisting, respectively. The presented new platform of flexible microbial solar cells offers the development possibility of self‐sustaining wearable electronics.

Flexible electrochemical sensor based on N-doped helical carbon nanotubes coated manganese oxide nanoparticles for real-time monitoring of cellular hydrogen peroxide release

Electrochemical sensor is a sensitive and fast method to test hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) released from cancer cells. To map a clear understanding of the mechanisms during drug treatment of cancer, it is necessary to in-situ and real-time monitor of H2O2 content in the release process from cancer cells. Herein, N-doped helical carbon nanotubes (HCNTs) coated manganese oxide (MnO) nanoparticles (MnO@HCNTs) were prepared using a high-temperature molten salt method. The ratio of Mn salt to 2-methylimidazole was adjusted to optimize the Mn2+/Mn3+ ratio of the active center. The MnO@HCNTs were further modified on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) based electrode printed by screen printing technique to build a flexible electrochemical sensor (MnO@HCNTs/PDMS). The presence of graphitic N increases the surface electron density, thereby enhancing the electrical conductivity of MnO@HCNTs/PDMS. Simultaneously, graphitic N triggers electronic arrangement in the Mn, leading to an increase in Mn-N coordination. Furthermore, the adsorption performance of MnO@HCNTs/PDMS for H2O2 increases with more N content, which may also enhance the electrocatalytic activity towards H2O2. The sensitivity of this sensor for H2O2 analysis was observed as 636.9 μA μM−1 cm−2 with a limit of detection as 2.6 nmol L−1 in a linear response range from 10.0 nmol L−1 to 1000.0 nmol L−1 and a fast response time of 1.2 s. Finally, the flexible MnO@HCNTs/PDMS was combined with a smart sensing system, which displayed the ability for highly sensitive real-time monitoring of drug-stimulated H2O2 that released from lung cancer cells A549 under the phorbol ester stimulation.

Analysis of the Radial Force of a Piezoelectric Actuator with Interdigitated Spiral Electrodes.

The actuator is a critical component of the micromanipulator. By utilizing the properties of expansion and contraction, the piezoelectric actuator enables the manipulator to handle and grasp miniature objects during micromanipulation. However, in piezoelectric ceramic disc actuators with conventional surface electrode configurations, the actuating force generated in the radial direction is relatively limited. When used as the actuation element of the manipulator, achieving regulation over a wide range of operating strokes becomes challenging. Therefore, altering the electrode structure is necessary to generate a greater radial force, thus enhancing the positioning and grasping capabilities of the operating arm. This paper investigates a piezoelectric actuator with interdigitated spiral electrodes, featuring a constant pitch between adjacent electrodes. The radial force was tested under mechanical clamping conditions, and the influence of the electrical signal was examined. The characteristics of the electrode structure were described, and the working principles of the piezoelectric actuators were analyzed. Theoretical equations were derived for the macroscopic characterization of the radial clamping force of the actuator, based on the piezoelectric constitutive equation, geometric principles, and Bond matrix transformation relationships. A finite element model was developed, reflecting the features of the electrode structure, and finite element simulations were employed to verify the theoretical equations for radial force. To prepare the samples, encircled interdigitated spiral electrode lines were printed on the PZT-52 piezoelectric ceramic disc using a screen printing method. The clamping force experimental platform was established, and experiments on the clamping radial force were conducted with electrical signals of varying waveforms, frequencies, and voltages. The experimental results show that the piezoelectric ceramic disc actuator with an interdigitated spiral electrode line structure, when excited by a stable sine wave operating at 200 V and 0.2 Hz, generated a peak force of 0.37 N. It was 1.76 times greater than that produced by a previously utilized piezoelectric disc with conventional electrode structures.

PASAR TENAGA KERJA INKLUSIF DAN PEKERJAAN AFIRMATIF UNTUK PENYANDANG DISABILITAS

<p class="abstrak"><em>An inclusive labour market emphasizes equal opportunities and fair treatment for all individuals, including persons with disabilities, with the aim of optimizing the potential of the workforce, increasing innovation, productivity, and economic growth. In Indonesia, inclusive policies have been implemented through various laws and regulations that support the rights of persons with disabilities to obtain decent work. Nonetheless, challenges in the form of discrimination and lack of supporting infrastructure are still significant. Disabled people's organizations (DPOs) play an important role in economic empowerment through skills training and entrepreneurship. This training covers areas such as screen printing, electronics, computers and weaving, as well as social assistance for small businesses. The types of jobs available to people with disabilities include operators, customer service, telemarketing, teachers, and administration. Awareness and effective policies are needed to create a truly inclusive workplace in Indonesia. With sustained commitment from all parties, Indonesia can respect and protect the rights of persons with disabilities, ensure equal and fair access to employment opportunities, and harness their full potential for nation-building.</em></p>

Functionalization of Cotton Textiles via Screen Printing of Aronia melanocarpa Berry Extract–Chitosan Mixtures

ABSTRACT The use of plant-based materials as alternatives to the hazardous synthetic chemicals traditionally employed in textile production can help create a more sustainable society; however, such materials have not been explored in sufficient detail. Herein, cotton fabrics were screen-printed with pastes containing Aronia berry extract (AE) and chitosan (CS), dried, cured, and washed. Subsequently, the printed fabrics were investigated in terms of their color, mechanical properties, and antibacterial and antioxidant activities. The obtained results revealed that AE and CS played distinctive functional roles as finishing agents in the cotton fabric treatment. The AE content in the pastes was positively correlated with a* and b* but negatively correlated with L*, and the presence of CS improved colorfastness against washing and light exposure. The fabrics printed with pastes containing ≥ 20% (w/v) AE and 2% (w/v) CS demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus, while CS increased the activity resistance to washing. The fabrics printed with a paste containing 40% (w/v) AE exhibited an antioxidant capacity of ~ 70%. Thus, this study contributes to the field of sustainable textile functionalization and the use of plant extract – CS blends for screen printing.

Development of paper-based microfluidic analytical device (μPAD) for the determination of paracetamol in water samples: Optimization using response surface methodology (RSM)

Detecting and quantifying pharmaceutical compounds in various environmental matrices is complex and challenging. This difficulty stems from the trace levels at which these compounds are found and the lack of analytical methods that are rapid, cost-effective, and portable. To address these challenges, this study aimed to develop microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μ-PADs) using beeswax screen printing for fabrication. Key parameters, including reaction time, concentration, reagent volume, and channel length, were optimized using response surface methodology. Under optimal conditions of 5 ppm sample concentration, 10 μL reagent volume, 10 min reaction time, and 2 cm channel length, the analytical performance of the μPAD was evaluated and compared with the standard UV–Vis spectrophotometry method. The microfluidic analytical device demonstrated detection limits at 0.03 μg/ml, compared to 0.01 μg/ml for the UV–Vis spectrophotometer. Although the sensitivity of µ-PADs in this study (0.03 μg/ml) is lower than that of UV–Vis (0.01 μg/ml), it represents an improvement over the previous µ-PAD report (1 μg/ml) on the same analytes. Both methods exhibited commendable precision, with a relative standard deviation below 2%. Additionally, recovery rates were acceptable and comparable, ranging from 86.8 to 99.6% for µ-PADs and 96.5–99% for UV–Vis. The analytical performance evaluation suggests that µPADs provide excellent sensitivity, precision, and accuracy for trace-level paracetamol analysis. A paired t-test further confirmed no statistically significant difference between the two methods, underscoring the promising potential of µ-PADs for trace-level paracetamol quantification in water samples without conventional analytical instruments.

Metallization process optimization of HIT solar cell for high current density and silver reduction

The Silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cell belongs to the most viable cell structure that enables low cost as well as high efficiency. For SHJ cells, silver (Ag) paste has been used through screen-printed process that is hardenable at low temperature. The procedure of screen printing is essential for improving the electrical properties because it allows electrodes to make good contact with the top layer of solar cells. This paper describes the experimental procedure to optimize the process condition for achieving comparatively high efficiency with minimum usage of Ag consumption. It was noticed that adequate contact among electrodes and uppermost transparent conductive oxide layer in SHJ solar cell depending considerably on squeeze speed, squeegee pressure, scraper speed, curing time and temperature. By controlling the snap-off distance of 1.4 mm, squeegee pressure at 0.3 MPa, scraper speed of 10 mm/sec, squeegee speed of 170 mm/sec, curing time of 20 min and curing temperature of 190 °C respectively, we achieved comparatively high efficiency of 22.46 %.

Electrochemical Sensing/Biosensing ‐ Bench to Market

The proposition of new sensors based on carbon (nano)structures as well as metal (nano)particles is a great alternative for electroanalysis. In this context, graphite, carbon nanotubes, graphene, carbon black and fullerene, as well as gold, silver, platinum, copper are the most common materials employed [1]. Also, biomolecules such as antibodies, DNA sequences, enzymes and aptamers can be promising molecular recognition elements and enable specific sensor/biosensor designs, with interferent species [2]. Since the pioneering works from Professor Joseph Wang [3,4], the screen‐printed and disposable electrodes have been reported in the literature as options to be used in point‐of‐care and point‐of use sites. Also, the evolution of 3D printing [5] and wearable devices have led to an increase in the number of papers reporting on their use.. The “Achilles heel” is that the laboratory creations don't make it to the market place [6]. Therefore, academia needs to think more about in the validation, demonstration and promotion of the laboratory developed technology with of new companies based on startups, for example, to attract investments and promote these sensors to commercial ones. In this context, the special issue “Electrochemical Sensing/Biosensing ‐ Bench to Market” brings the discussion and advances of electrochemical sensors, which can be used in many areas, such as medical, environmental, food safety, pharmaceutical, and forensic. For this purpose, the preparation, characterization, and application of these devices have attracted interest. Studies of the production, shelf‐life as well as reproducibility, and repeatability have been highlighted for mass production. Important subjects such as screen printing, and 3D printing are welcome for submissions. Therefore, we expect you to enjoy this Special Issue published in Electroanalysis.

Precise Regulation Strategy for Fluorescence Wavelength of Aggregation-Induced Emission Carbon Dots.

Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) carbon dot (CDs) in solid state with tunable multicolor emissions have sparked significant interest in multidimensional anti-counterfeiting. However, the realization of solid-state fluorescence (SSF) by AIE effect and the regulation of fluorescence wavelength in solid state is a great challenge. In order to solve this dilemma, the AIE method to prepare multi-color solid-state CDs with fluorescence wavelengths ranging from bright blue to red emission is employed. Specifically, by using thiosalicylic acid and carbonyl hydrazine as precursors, the fluorescence wavelength can be accurately adjusted by varying the reaction temperature from 150 to 230°C or changing the molar ratio of the precursors from 1:1 to 1:2. Structural analysis and theoretical calculations consistently indicate that increasing the sp2 domains or doping with graphite nitrogen both cause a redshift in the fluorescence wavelength of CDs in the solid state. Moreover, with the multi-dimensional and adjustable fluorescence wavelength, the application of AIE CDs in the fields of multi-anti-counterfeiting encryption, ink printing, and screen printing is demonstrated. All in all, this work opens up a new way for preparing solid-state multi-color CDs using AIE effect, and further proposes an innovative strategy for controlling fluorescence wavelengths.

Facile fabrication of foldable electrospun nanofiber electrodes for electrodes for electronic biosensing

This study presents a rapid, sensitive and selective sensor based on electrospun nanofibers on laser-patterned electrodes, in which the laser micromachining process can directly fabricate the graphene electrode device for the electronical detection of glucose molecule. The layer of graphene film was formed on the glass substrate by a screen printing technique, and then the graphene electrodes can be fabricated by the ultraviolet (UV) nanosecond laser process with the wavelength of 355 nm. Based on the controlled the laser fluence and pulses, the electrode gap of 60 μm within the device can be fabricated. The polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and glucose oxidase (GOD) composite nanofiber with weight percentage of 8% can be used by the electrospun process with used Glutaraldehyde(GA) steam for cross linking process. After that, it is blended with the conductivity of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly (styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), and the foldable nanofiber structures was made by electrospun process on the graphene electrode device. Finally, the electrical detection of graphene electrode device with the nanofibers at different concentrations of glucose can be measured, resulting in the linear variation is detecting the glucose concentration ranging form 0.01 to 3.12 mM. This work indicated that the low concentration and highly sensitive can be used for electronic biosensors

Developing Screen-Printing Processes for Silver Electrodes Towards All-Solution Coating Processes for Solar Cells.

In recent years, third-generation solar cells have experienced a remarkable growth in efficiency, making them a highly promising alternative energy solution. Currently, high-efficiency solar cells often use top electrodes fabricated by thermal evaporation, which rely on high-cost and high energy-consumption vacuum equipment, raising significant concerns for mass production. This study develops a method for fabricating silver electrodes using the screen-printing process, aiming to achieve solar cell production through an all-solution coating process. By selecting appropriate blocking-layer materials and optimizing the process, we have achieved device efficiencies for organic photovoltaics (OPVs) with screen-printed silver electrodes comparable to those with silver electrodes fabricated by thermal evaporation. Furthermore, we developed a method to cure the silver ink using near-infrared (NIR) annealing, significantly reducing the curing time from 30 min with hot air annealing to just 5 s. Additionally, by employing sheet-to-sheet (S2S) slot-die coating, we scaled up the device area and completed module development, successfully verifying stability in ambient air. We have also extended the application of screen-printed silver electrodes to perovskite solar cells (PSCs).

Implementasi Metode CRM (Customer Relationship Management) pada Sistem Informasi Website Nadu Screen Printing

This research aims to implement the CRM (customer relationship management) method on the Nadu Screen Printing website information system which is useful for simplifying customer orders and processing customer databases. This research uses the Agile software development method. The evaluation results with the System Usability Scale (SUS) show that this system meets the standards with a final score reaching 86.5 in the "Acceptable" category with a grade scale of "A" and a rating of "Best Imaginable".

Analysis of quality control in clothing production using SQC (Statistical Quality Control) and 5W+1H methods

CV Tujuh Pusaka Tala is a start-up company engaged in the clothing and sports jersey convection industry, as well as marching band musical instruments known by the brands 7MJR Store for clothing and SevenMajor for marching band musical instruments. This study was conducted to analyze the quality control of clothing production at CV. Tujuh Pusaka Tala using the Statistical Quality Control (SQC) method and the 5W and 1H approach to minimize defective products. The SQC methods used include Checksheet, Control Map, Histogram, Pareto Diagram and Cause and Effect Diagram to identify and control variability in the production process. While the 5W and 1H approach is applied to understand the main causes of product defects and find the right solution. The results of the study showed that there were 4 types of defects in the production process at CV. Tujuh Pusaka Tala, namely printing defects, screen printing defects, stitching, and material defects. The main factors causing production defects include humans, materials, machines, methods, and the environment. It can be concluded that the quality control of clothing production at CV. Tujuh Pusaka Tala using the Statistical Quality Control (SQC) method and the 5W and 1H approach to minimize defective products has been implemented well so that it can minimize the existence of defective products.

Self-Assembly Hybrid Manufacture of Nanoarrays for Metasurfaces.

The development of metasurfaces necessitates the rapid fabrication of nanoarrays on diverse substrates at large scales, the preparation of patterned nanoarrays on both planar and curved surfaces, and even the creation of nanoarrays on prefabricated structures to form multiscale metastructures. However, conventional fabrication methods fall short of these rigorous requirements. In this work, a novel self-assembly hybrid manufacturing (SAHM) method is introduced for the rapid and scalable fabrication of shape-controllable nanoarrays on various rigid and flexible substrates. This method can be easily integrated with other fabrication techniques, such as lithography and screen printing, to produce patterned nanoarrays on both planar and non-developable surfaces. Utilizing the SAHM method, nanoarrays are fabricated on prefabricated micropillars to create multiscale pillar-nanoarray metastructures. Measurements indicate that these multiscale metastructures can manipulate electromagnetic waves across a range of wavelengths. Therefore, the SAHM method demonstrates the potential of multiscale structures as a new paradigm for the design and fabrication of metasurfaces.

Bioinspired Hierarchical Porous Architecture for Enhanced Kinetics and Mechanical Integrity in Thick Cathode.

Increasing the thickness of the electrodes is considered the primary strategy to elevate battery energy density. However, as the thickness increases, rate performance, cycling performance, and mechanical stability are affected due to the sluggish ion transfer kinetics and compromised structural integrity. Inspired by the natural hierarchical porous structure of trees, electrodes with bioinspired architecture are fabricated to address these challenges. Specifically, electrodes with aligned columns consist of tree-inspired vertical channels, and hierarchical pores are constructed by screen printing and ice-templating, imparting enhanced electrochemical and mechanical performance. Employing an aqueous-based binder, the LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 cathode achieves a high areal energy density of 15.1 mWh cm-2 at a rate of 1C at mass loading of 26.0mg cm-2,benefitting from the multiscale pores that elevated charge transfer kinetics in the thick electrode. The electrodes demonstrate capacity retention of 90% at the 100th cycle at a high current density of 5.2mA cm-2. To understand the mechanisms that promote electrode performance, simplified electro-chemo-mechanical models are developed,the drying process and the charge-discharge process are simulated. The simulation results suggested that the improved performance of the designed electrode benefits from the lower ohmic overpotential and less strain gradient and stress concentration due to the hierarchical porous architecture.

A novel colored chitosan-modified polystyrene composite dye nanospheres with enhanced coloring properties for binder-free printing

The limited utilization rate of dyes for coloring coupled with the consumption of large quantities of chemical reagents, can result in acute environmental pollution and waste of resources. Herein, in accordance with the electrostatic attraction between electropositivity of chitosan and anionic dyes, a novel type of chitosan-modified cationic polystyrene nanospheres (PSCS) was creatively synthesized, which can be innovatively employed as a special carrier with an adsorption capacity of up to 197.4mg/g for acid dyes. Consequently, a exclusive pigment identified as colored chitosan-modified polystyrene composite dye nanospheres (PSCS(AR9)) was procured. Simultaneously, the binder-free printing was accomplished by leveraging the intrinsic self-curing property of PSCS(AR9) for screen printing of textiles. Additionally, printed fabrics with PSCS(AR9) exhibited superb darkening effect (the K/S value can be increased by 2 times.) in conjunction with significantly improved hand feel in contrast with the conventional printed fabrics. The last but not least, the rubbing fastness of the printed fabrics using PSCS(AR9) can meet demand of the practical application. Therefore, this work may provide an innovative insight for constructing a new type of environmentally friendly and depth-enhanced printed textile.

Donor–π bridge-acceptor dyes featuring dual chromophoric groups for enhanced sensitivity in wearable sweat sensor

The pH value of human sweat serves as a crucial biomarker for disease diagnosis, rendering wearable sweat sensors an innovative tool for monitoring human health. However, the commercialization of these devices is seriously impeded by their low sensitivity, poor wearing comfort, and limited reusability. In this work, a reactive dye capable of color change under pH change has been synthesized. Due to the unique molecular structure, the dye molecule exhibits remarkable color change recognition and high sensitivity. To fabricate a wearable pH sensor, screen printing technology was employed for depositing the color-changing dye onto cotton fabric. The resulting sensor demonstrated excellent performance attributes including high color sensitivity, robust cyclic stability in response to pH changes, and exceptional resistance against washing, friction, and sunlight-induced fading. Therefore, this study presents a highly promising approach for achieving real-time monitoring of human sweat pH levels.