Graphene-based inks could enable low cost, flexible electronics

The breakthrough is expected to enable the commercialisation of everything from plastic electronics and printed batteries, to smart packaging and flexible displays. Haydale found that by dispersing graphene platelets as an ink, large areas of graphene could be screen or inkjet printed as required. The resulting ink, called HDPlas Graphene Ink Sc213, is metal-free, fully customisable and specifically formulated for screen printing applications. Haydale claims it offers superior performance compared to traditional carbon based inks, as well as optimum coverage. Ray Gibbs, the company's commercial director, said: "At Haydale, we have been working on the ability to commercialise graphene technology for two years and today is a significant milestone for us. "The key to having commercial products using graphene is the ability to homogeneously disperse it into the host material. We are especially pleased that the performance can be achieved with no metal additives." The graphene inks were developed in collaboration with specialist ink manufacturer Gwent Electronic Materials. Samples are available now.