In the rapidly evolving world of electronics, a new frontier is emerging: transient electronics. These are devices designed to degrade and disappear after their useful life, addressing the mounting problem of electronic waste (e-waste). However, a recent study published in the journal npj Flexible Electronics, which translates to English as “npj Flexible Electronics” has shed light on a critical aspect of this technology: the environmental impact of their degradation by-products.
Sofia Sandhu, lead author of the study and a researcher at the Bendable Electronics and Sustainable Technologies (BEST) Group at Northeastern University, and her team have systematically investigated the hydrolytic degradation by-products of two types of transient devices: a capacitive pressure sensor and a photodetector. Their findings, published in the journal npj Flexible Electronics, reveal that the story of transient electronics is more complex than it initially appears.
The researchers used liquid chromatograph mass spectrometry to analyze the degradation by-products. They discovered that despite the inherent degradability of the materials used in these devices, the by-products can be toxic or contain complex molecules with unknown chemistry. “We found that some by-products can be carcinogenic, or contain almost non-degradable polystyrene derivatives or microplastics, or have copper complexes resulting from degraded silk fibroin and poly(ethylene oxide) mass fragments,” Sandhu explained.
This revelation underscores the need for a more nuanced approach to designing transient electronics. While the degradability of these devices is a step in the right direction, it is not enough to ensure environmental safety. The nature of the degradation by-products must also be carefully considered.
The implications of this research are significant, particularly for the energy sector. As the demand for renewable energy sources grows, so does the need for efficient and sustainable energy management systems. Transient electronics could play a crucial role in this area, from sensors that monitor energy usage to devices that control energy distribution. However, their environmental impact must be thoroughly understood and mitigated.
The study by Sandhu and her team highlights the importance of careful material selection and reassessment in the development of transient electronics. It also opens up new avenues for research, such as exploring alternative materials that degrade into non-toxic by-products or developing methods to neutralize harmful by-products.
As the field of transient electronics continues to evolve, it is clear that a holistic approach is needed. This approach must consider not only the functionality and efficiency of these devices but also their environmental impact. The research published in the journal npj Flexible Electronics is a significant step in this direction, providing valuable insights that could shape the future of transient electronics and their role in the energy sector.
