Flexible, printable and eco-sustainable magnetoelectronics

Composites consisting of magnetic fillers in polymers and elastomers enable new application scenarios in soft robotics [1,2] and reconfigurable actuation [3]. Furthermore, they gave birth to the novel technology of solution processable magnetic field sensors. We demonstrate that printed magnetoelectronics can be stretchable, skin-conformal, capable of detection of low magnetic fields and withstand extreme mechanical deformations [4,5]. We feature the potential of our skin-conformal sensors in augmented reality settings for remote and touchless control of virtual objects, scrolling electronic documents and zooming maps. We put forth technology to realise magnetic field sensors, which can be printed and self-heal upon mechanical damage [6]. This opens exciting perspectives for magnetoelectronics in smart wearables, interactive printed electronics. Moreover, this research motivates further explorations towards the realization of eco-sustainable magnetoelectronics. For the latter, we will discuss biocompatible and biodegradable magneto sensitive devices, which can help to minimise electronic waste and bring magnetoelectronics to new application fields in medical implants and health monitoring.

[1] Y. Liu et al., Responsive magnetic nanocomposites for intelligent shape-morphing microrobots. ACS Nano 17, 8899 (2023).
[2] M. Richter et al., Locally addressable energy efficient actuation of magnetic soft actuator array systems. Advanced Science 2302077 (2023).
[3] M. Ha et al., Reconfigurable magnetic origami actuators with on-board sensing for guided assembly. Advanced Materials 33, 2008751 (2021).
[4] M. Ha et al., Printable and stretchable giant magnetoresistive sensors for highly compliant and skin-conformal electronics. Advanced Materials 33, 2005521 (2021).
[5] E. S. Oliveros Mata et al., Dispenser printed bismuth-based magnetic field sensors with non-saturating large magnetoresistance for touchless interactive surfaces. Adv. Mater. Technol. 7, 2200227 (2022).
[6] R. Xu et al., Self-healable printed magnetic field sensors using alternating magnetic fields. Nature Communications 13, 6587 (2022).