Small Methods: A High-Performance MXene Micro-Supercapacitor Fabrication Technique Based on Aerosol Jet Printing

With the advancement of technology, electronic devices are increasingly demanding lightweight, efficient, and customizable energy-storage solutions. From smartwatches to drones, and from wearable gadgets to intelligent sensors, the “miniaturization” of energy storage has become a key focus in scientific research and development. Among numerous emerging materials, MXene has emerged as a rising star, thanks to its exceptional electrical conductivity, high capacitance, and tunable properties. Nevertheless, effectively, stably, and precisely integrating MXene into micrometer-scale manufacturing processes remains a significant challenge. A recent study published in Small Methods has achieved a breakthrough by developing a stable Ti₃C₂Tₓ MXene ink formulation. Combined with aerosol jet printing (AJP), this approach enables the fabrication of high-resolution, high-performance micro-supercapacitors, opening up new possibilities for fields such as microelectronics and energy storage.

Small Methods: A Low‑Environmental‑Footprint, Non‑Sensitive Disposable Humidity and Temperature Sensor Based on Aerosol Jet Printing and Cellulose Substrates

The pace of technological obsolescence in electronic devices is staggering, and the resulting e-waste problem is growing increasingly severe. Conventional environmental monitoring sensors—particularly those for temperature and humidity—often rely on non‑degradable plastic substrates (such as PET or PE) and toxic metal materials. Not only are these components difficult to recycle, but their degradation can release harmful microplastic particles, contaminating the environment. Is it possible to develop sensors that are both high‑performance and environmentally friendly—perhaps even nearly “invisible”? A recent study published in Small Methods offers an exciting answer: by leveraging aerosol jet printing (AJP), researchers have successfully fabricated a highly transparent, ultra‑compact, and ultra‑low‑material‑consumption integrated temperature–humidity sensor on a biodegradable cellulose substrate. This could herald the dawn of next‑generation green electronics.

Npj Advanced Manufacturing: With the aid of aerosol jet printing, an all‑bio‑based humidity sensor tackles the challenge of electronic waste.

When you casually discard an electronic sensor, you may not realize that it could persist in the soil for centuries, becoming “electronic waste” that pollutes the environment. Today, the global Internet of Things is experiencing explosive growth: by 2025, more than 30 billion devices are expected to be deployed, bringing with them tens of millions of tons of electronic waste annually and depleting critical mineral resources. However, a groundbreaking study published in npj Advanced Manufacturing has opened new avenues for eco‑friendly electronics: a research team from Northwestern University and other institutions has successfully developed fully biodegradable printed electronic sensors using aerosol jet printing. From the substrate to the ink, everything is derived entirely from biomass, delivering exceptional performance while naturally breaking down at the end of its lifecycle—truly embodying the principle of “from nature, back to nature.”

< 12345 > proceed page