Team NATURE

Research Problem

The widespread use of electronics in a technologically driven society has fostered a growing global dependence on conformable plastic components. Plastics are relatively lightweight, low-cost, and moldable, making them suitable alternatives to metals in material production. Manufacturers use them to create parts and casings for electronic devices such as solar cells, television displays, smartphone touchscreens, and batteries. However, plastics are highly dependent on fossil fuels, which is a nonrenewable resource.

 

One potential alternative is a network of cellulose-based polymers, referred to as cellulose nanopaper (CNP). CNP could replace plastic in electronics because of its similar, and often better, properties. It is a good candidate for sustainable mass production because cellulose is naturally abundant, biodegradable, versatile, and extremely inexpensive. This would also reduce plastic-based pollution and preserve the nonrenewable resources used for plastic manufacturing and disposal.

 

Still, improvements must be made to the CNP to achieve maximum efficiency as a replacement for plastic materials in modern technology. The mechanical properties, surface smoothness, water stability, and optical transparency of CNP are key areas of research in regards to the paper’s potential electronic applications. Adapting and applying transparent nanopaper to touch screens, light emitting diodes, solar cells, printable electronics, and batteries would allow the material to become more appealing as a mainstream alternative for plastics.

 

The potential for a more sustainable replacement brings up the question: what properties of cellulose nanopaper can be improved and how can they be enhanced to optimize its role in electronics and other applications? Exploring this question could advance the properties of CNP to the point of becoming a realistic plastic replacement.