In the heart of Lille, France, researchers are pioneering a method that could revolutionize the way we manufacture electronic devices, particularly those integral to the energy sector. Paul Moustiez, a researcher at the Institut d’Électronique, de Microélectronique et de Nanotechnologie (IEMN), along with his team, is exploring the potential of electrochemical additive manufacturing to create devices on a chip. Their work, published in the journal *ECS Sensors Plus* (which translates to *ECS Sensors and Plus*), is a significant step towards more efficient and resource-friendly fabrication processes.
The traditional methods of fabricating electronic devices often involve harsh conditions that can be detrimental to soft materials, making it challenging to embed chemical functionalities on silicon. Moustiez and his team are tackling this issue head-on by investigating electrochemistry on a chip. Their goal is to pattern conductivity-based measurement devices at a small scale using a process called electropolymerization.
“The beauty of this method lies in its simplicity and efficiency,” Moustiez explains. “We can create 16 elements on a 3×3 mm² chip using just a microliter droplet of an electro-active solution. This solution is mostly composed of a non-toxic and affordable solvent, making it both environmentally friendly and cost-effective.”
The process involves integrating a dewetting coating and local quasi-reference/counter micro-electrodes on each chip. This integration is crucial for complying with additive manufacturing principles, which aim to minimize waste and maximize efficiency. The team’s approach avoids the need for a vessel to confine large volumes of solutions, significantly reducing electrochemical signal noise.
“This method demonstrates sufficient stability to screen conducting polymer materials, even when their precursors are not available in large amounts,” Moustiez adds. “It’s a game-changer for chips microfabrication using conducting polymers as functional materials.”
The implications for the energy sector are profound. As the world shifts towards renewable energy sources, the demand for efficient and reliable electronic devices increases. The ability to manufacture these devices using minimal resources and with reduced environmental impact aligns perfectly with the goals of sustainability and innovation.
Moustiez’s research opens up new possibilities for the future of electronic device manufacturing. By leveraging electrochemistry and additive manufacturing, we can look forward to a future where devices are not only more efficient but also more sustainable. This work is a testament to the power of innovation and the potential it holds for shaping the energy sector and beyond.