Thermally stable, adhesively strong graphene/polyimide films for inkjet printing ultrasound sensors

Targeting for flexible, broadband ultrasound sensors, a new breed of nanographene platelet (NGP)/polyimide (PI) film is inkjet printed with morphologically optimized NGP/poly (amic acid) hybrid-based nanocomposite ink. The ink is produced with high-shear liquid phase exfoliation from inexpensive bul...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Carbon (New York) 2021-10, Vol.184, p.64-71
Main Authors: Zhou, Pengyu, Liao, Yaozhong, Yang, Xiongbin, Su, Yiyin, Yang, Jianwei, Xu, Lei, Wang, Kai, Zeng, Zhihui, Zhou, Li-min, Zhang, Zhong, Su, Zhongqing
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adhesive strength
Broadband
Graphene
High frequency ultrasound
Inkjet printing
Inkjet-printed sensor
Liquid exfoliation
Liquid phases
Nanocomposites
Nanoparticles
Piezoelectricity
Polyimide
Polyimide resins
Polymers
Quantum tunnelling
Sensors
Studies
Thermal stability
Thin films
Ultrasonic imaging
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Summary:Targeting for flexible, broadband ultrasound sensors, a new breed of nanographene platelet (NGP)/polyimide (PI) film is inkjet printed with morphologically optimized NGP/poly (amic acid) hybrid-based nanocomposite ink. The ink is produced with high-shear liquid phase exfoliation from inexpensive bulk graphite, manifesting good printability and high graphene concentration as high as 13.1 mg mL−1. Featuring an ultra-thin thickness (∼1 μm only), the inkjet-printed NGP/PI film sensor is demonstrated to possess excellent thermal stability and high adhesive strength reaching the American Society for Testing and Materials 5B level. The highly uniform and consolidated NGP/PI nanostructure in the sensor enables the formation of π-π interaction between NGPs and PI polymer matrix, and the quantum tunneling effect is triggered among NGPs when ultrasound traverses the sensor. This sensing mechanism endows the NGP/PI sensor with good sensitivity, fidelity and accuracy, showing comparable performance as prevailing commercial ultrasound sensors such as piezoelectric sensors. The film sensor has a proven gauge factor as high as 739, when sensing ultrasound at 175 kHz, and an ultrabroad responsive spectrum up to 1.6 MHz. [Display omitted] •A novel film-type graphene/polyimide ultrasound sensor developed using full inkjet printing.•A cost-efficient method for fabricating highly concentrated and stable graphene-based ink.•Demonstrated capability of accurately sensing ultrasound in a regime of megahertz.•Unique sensing mechanism by quantum tunneling effect and π-π interaction.•Proven excellent thermal stability and extraordinary adhesive strength.
ISSN:0008-6223
1873-3891
DOI:10.1016/j.carbon.2021.08.007