Almost everyone uses more electronic devices every day, and this number can increase drastically over time. This means that an increasing amount of electronic waste is generated

According to a report by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), a record 53.6 million tonnes of electronic waste were generated last year. However, only less than a quarter of this has been recycled. This problem will only get worse if we cannot find a sustainable solution to this growing problem.

Researchers at Duke University have now created the world’s first fully recyclable printed electronics that can help fight electronic waste.

A transistor, which is a relatively important and complex computer component relative to a resistor or capacitor, has been developed using three carbon-based inks. A fully recyclable, fully functional transistor can be easily printed on paper or any environmentally friendly surface.

Researchers have developed an insulating dielectric ink from wood called nanocellulose. Nanocellulose is a biodegradable compound that is widely known in electronics as a potential insulator. However, it has never been used as a printable ink.

Researchers have developed a method for suspending crystals of nanocellulose by adding a little common salt. This gave them an ink that works great as an insulator in their printed transistors.

Research leader Aaron Franklin said: “Silicon-based computer components are likely to never disappear and we don’t expect an easy one like ours. recyclable electronics will replace the technology and tools already widely used. But we hope that by creating new, fully recyclable, easy-to-print electronics and showing what they can do, they may be widely used in future applications. “

Hardware, software, tests, curiosities and colorful news from the IT world by clicking here

The post Here are the world’s first fully recyclable printed electronics appeared first on World Weekly News.