Methods for Fabricating Majority Graphene 3D-Printed Composites and Their Use in Electronic and Biomedical Applications
- Technology Benefits
- Gas storage 3D materials based on graphene, flexible 3DG objectsHighest reported 3DG-printed carbon-based inks Scalable process Potential low cost manufacture and use RapidInk synthesisLong-termstorage stability of inksRapid3D-printing at ambient conditions, no post-processing requiredSmall (Sub-mm) to large (many cubic cm) objects can be rapidly fabricated3Dprinting compatible with our particle-based inksHighestelectrical conductivity of any non-metallic biocompatible material everreportedPhysicalmanipulation - Can be: cut, rolled, folded, sutured, wrapped, etc.HighlyneurogenicPossiblymusculogenicBiocompatible
- Detailed Technology Description
- Majority graphene 3D-printed composites and their use in electronic and biomedical applications
- *Abstract
-
The exceptional properties of graphene enable applications in electronics, optoelectronics. energy storage, and structural composites. The realization of these diverse applications is accelerated by the integration of graphene with versatile fabrication technologies. Northwestern scientists have developed a novel printable graphene (3DG) composite consisting of majority graphene and minority polylactide-co-glycolide, a biocompatible elastomer. This ink design allows for room temperature, extrusion-based 3D-printing of graphene structures with features as small as 100 μm. 3DG exhibits robust and flexible mechanical properties, as well as electrical conductivity greater than 800 S/m, the highest reported for 3D-printed carbon-based inks. In vivo and in vitro experiments using human mesenchymal stem cells and neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells reveal that 3DG supports cell viability and proliferation, is biodegradable, and has promising biocompatibility. With this unique combination of properties, 3DG will facilitate the production of electronic, biomedical, and hybrid technologies via additive manufacturing.
- *Inventors
- Mark C. Hersam*Adam Edward E. JakusEthan B.SecorRamille N. (Capito) Shah*
- *Publications
- Jakus AE, Secor EB, RutzAL, Sumanas JW, Hersam MC, Shah RN (2015) Three-Dimensional Printing ofHigh-Content Graphene Scaffolds for Electronic and Biomedical Applications, ACS Nano, 9: 4636-4648.
- Country/Region
- USA
