Investigation of 2D material printing via conventional ballpoint mechanism

• Main Author: Lee, Si Yi
• Other Authors: Hong Li
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2020
• Subjects: Engineering::Mechanical engineering; Engineering::Materials
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/145077
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

MXenes, a two-dimensional titanium carbide (Ti3C2), are a unique material that exhibits excellent electronic, optical and mechanical properties. Applications of MXenes have been exploited in many areas such as energy storage, electronics optoelectronics, biomedicine and sensors. MXenes are also suitable for printing applications as their hydrophilic nature and negative surface charge allows them to be exceptionally suitable as inks. However, current printing applications are only able to deposit droplets of MXene which leaves its particles in a clutter. This study presents a novel direct printing method that can lay MXene flakes in a single continuous line through the use of a conventional ballpoint pen. The aim of this study was to investigate the aspect of direct printing through different pen types in different sizes. This study will also examine the characteristics of MXene inks in various organic solvents, and their ability to deposit on multiple surfaces. The rolling ball technique highlights the promise of economical, portable, direct printing of MXene for various electronic utilizations.