Scientists 3D print the world's first fully recyclable electronic transistor

A team of US researchers has created electronic device components made from natural raw materials and 100% recyclable

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Technological waste represents an arduous challenge in terms of disposal and recycling of components. This is why a team of US researchers is developing electronic device components made from natural raw materials and 100% recyclable.

Duke University engineers developed the first fully recyclable electronic appliances, made with the help of a 3D printer. The recycling process recovers almost 100% of the materials used and preserves many of their performance capabilities for reuse. By building a relatively complex and critically important computer component - a transistor - created with natural ink, the researchers hope to inspire a new generation of recyclable electronics.

"Silicon-based computer components will likely never be replaced, and we don't expect easily recyclable electronics like ours to replace current technology," he says. Aaron Franklin, engineer and professor at Duke University. "But we hope that by creating new electronic components that are completely recyclable and printable with 3D printers, these can spread for future applications."

@ pratt.duke.edu

The disposal of electronic waste (WEEE) represents a serious problem for the protection of our planet. These are often difficult materials to recycle - while the small components made of copper, aluminum and steel can be recycled, the silicon parts (which are the raw material of most devices) are not recyclable.

In this new study, the researchers developed a fully functional transistor made with natural inks printed on paper or other flexible and recyclable surface.

"Electronic devices like this will not be able to replace the entire techno industry, and we are nowhere near printing fully recyclable computer processors," says Franklin. "But showing the characteristics and functionalities of these new materials is certainly like putting a brick in the direction of a new life cycle of electronic devices."

Fonte: Pratt School of Engineerins-Duke University

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