Revolutionizing Sustainability: Tampere Uni’s Printed Electronics Leading the Way

Electronics Revolutionizing Industries with Sustainable Practices

In today’s world, electronics have permeated every aspect of our lives, from healthcare to agriculture, packaging to logistics. However, the traditional methods of manufacturing electronics have come at a high environmental cost.

At Tampere University, Professor Matti Mäntysalo and his research group are leading the charge in revolutionizing the electronics industry. By advancing printed electronics and low-energy manufacturing techniques, they aim to reshape the way electronics are produced, making them more sustainable and eco-friendly.

Instead of focusing solely on individual components, the research at Tampere University targets the entire production system. The goal is to create flexible, scalable, and sustainable electronics without compromising usability.

Redefining Manufacturing Processes

Traditional electronics manufacturing involves high temperatures, complex chemical processes, and material-intensive methods. In contrast, printed electronics utilize techniques from the printing industry such as screen printing and inkjet printing to build electronic components layer by layer, reducing waste and chemical use significantly.

This additive approach not only minimizes environmental impact but also consumes less energy due to lower production temperatures, leading to reduced carbon emissions.

Moreover, lower production temperatures enable the use of bio-based and biodegradable materials that were previously unsuitable for high-temperature processes, expanding the design possibilities for electronics.

Lessening Dependency on Critical Materials

In a bid to reduce reliance on scarce and potentially harmful raw materials, the research group is exploring alternatives like printed supercapacitors that can be manufactured without these materials. By utilizing everyday substances such as carbon, salt, water, and paper, the aim is to create functional electronics with minimal environmental impact.

While these alternatives may not match high-performance electronics in demanding applications, they offer a sustainable solution for disposable sensors and monitoring devices that do not require maximum performance.

Pioneering Biodegradable Electronics

One of the groundbreaking concepts emerging from the research is biodegradable electronics. While the idea of electronics that decompose may seem counterintuitive, it addresses the growing challenge of end-of-life electronics disposal.

The research includes the SOIL project, which focuses on developing biodegradable, flexible electronics for soil monitoring. These sensors can decompose without harming the environment, offering a sustainable solution for single-use devices.

Transforming Healthcare with Printed Electronics

Printed electronics have the potential to revolutionize healthcare by enabling affordable diagnostic tools for home use. Wearable sensors can monitor vital signs and transmit data wirelessly for analysis, improving early diagnosis and follow-up care.

This technology is particularly valuable for remote regions with limited access to healthcare services, allowing patients to receive vital monitoring without the need for hospital visits.

Finland’s Leadership in Printed Electronics

Finland is at the forefront of printed electronics, with a strong industrial continuum and a legacy of electronics expertise. Collaborative projects like the EU-funded Sustronics initiative aim to address sustainability challenges in electronics, with Finnish institutions playing a key role.

The focus is on redesigning electronic products using sustainable principles and developing new technologies to drive innovation in the industry.

Empowering the Next Generation of Electronics Experts

Creating sustainable electronics requires a new breed of experts with a strong foundation in physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Initiatives like the FERNS doctoral network train researchers in circular economy principles and bio-based materials, preparing them for roles in sustainable electronics.

National programmes linking doctoral research with industry ensure a smooth transition for graduates into applied roles, driving innovation in the field.

Shaping the Future of Electronics

For Professor Mäntysalo, printed electronics represent not just a technological shift but a new mindset towards sustainable electronics design, manufacturing, and usage. As sustainability becomes a defining challenge for the industry, innovative approaches like printed electronics are crucial for a greener future.