Paper-based substrates for sustainable (opto)electronic devices

Abstract

Cellulose-based paper has been a convenient eco-friendly platform for storing and exchanging information for thousands of years. Amazingly, the studies and advancements in the past decade have demonstrated that paper and nanocellulose-based substrates are also attractive for fabricating flexible electronic circuits as well as optoelectronic components and devices. Paper and nanocellulose-based substrates have been considered for use in new generation green devices and optoelectronic applications based on their sustainable and inexpensive source, lightweight, and superior mechanical/optical properties, all factors that could also reduce manufacturing costs for producing these devices. In this chapter, we review functional materials and optoelectronic devices fabricated on paper or nanocellulose-based substrates including transistors and circuits, solar cells, light-emitting diodes, and other devices, such as sensors/actuators, batteries, supercapacitors/energy-harvesters, and breathalyzer/diagnosis devices. We also thoroughly discuss remaining challenges and promising research directions with paper-based substrates for future advancements in green optoelectronics.