Field-effect Transistor
The Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology has developed a transparent hybrid electronic device production technique for the manufacturing of wireless smart sensors. Details of the research are available on the online edition of Advanced Materials published on April 22.
The transparent hybrid electronic device developed by the research team uses a combination of graphene and metallic nanowires. The device maintains its electrical characteristics even when folded or pulled. The smart sensor developed at this time based on the device can be attached to various surfaces, such as the human skin, for real-time monitoring of changes in biomaterials like protein. The sensor is not oxidized and maintains excellent flexibility even after long exposure to the air and heat applications.
The sensor wirelessly transmits the changes in biomaterials by means of its built-in antenna. The power required for the transmission and reception is supplied by its transmission antenna, and thus no battery is required.
“When graphene detects protein, the resistance changes and the signal containing the information is sent to the air through a reception antenna, which means the sensor requires no battery since the transmission antenna sends and captures the radio waves,” the research team said, adding, “A mobile phone battery can be used in this process if the transmission antenna is built into a handset.”