Scientists have developed a novel method for creating electrical circuits using a standard red pen containing eosin ink and a laser. The laser transforms the eosin into laser-induced graphene (LIG), a conductive material.
This technique offers significant advantages over previous methods which were limited to specific plastics and polymers. The use of ink allows for easy application on various surfaces, providing a cost-effective and versatile approach. This Paint & Scribe method integrates electrical circuits onto any surface.
The research, a collaboration between several Italian and Austrian universities and institutes, was published in Advanced Science.
Potential applications include printable electronics, biomedical sensors, robotics, automation, and environmental sensors. Further research is underway to explore using natural dyes for environmentally friendly electronics.