Paper as a Substrate and an Active Material in Paper Electronics

Abstract

Paper is an essential part of our daily life in many different ways. It is made by compressing cellulose fibers sourced from wood into thin sheets. Paper is an inherently flexible material which can transport liquids through its medium by capillary action without the need of external force. The mesh network of cellulose in paper gives it a unique set of mechanical properties. Owing to its exclusive and advantageous properties, paper is being used as an active material and a substrate in electronics. Paper as an active material means that paper is utilized in its intrinsic form without modifications. Activated (or functionalized) paper has been widely exploited in many applications, but in order to take true advantage of all the beneficial properties of paper, it needs to be used in its natural produced form. Notably, paper is employed in humidity sensors, pressure sensors, and MEMS devices in its natural form. Additionally, paper is used as a substrate in additively manufactured and origami-inspired electronic devices. Here, we present an overview of how paper is used to make fully flexible and low-cost devices. Furthermore, the emergence of paper-based point-of-care devices is briefly discussed.