The McAlpine Research Group are the inventors of 3D printing functional materials & devices.

The ability to three-dimensionally pattern active electronic devices (including semiconductors) represents a transformative approach to creating active electronics without the need for a cleanroom or conventional microfabrication facilities. This could enable the generation of active electronics on-the-fly, using only source inks and a portable 3D printer, to realize electronics anywhere, including in resource limited environments.

Interfacing active devices with the body in 3D could impact a variety of fields, such as biomedical devices, wearable electronics, bioelectronics, smart prosthetics, and human-machine interfaces. Developing the ability to 3D print various classes of materials possessing distinct properties will enable the freeform generation of active electronics in unique functional, interwoven architectures.

Yet, achieving seamless integration of these diverse materials via 3D printing is a challenge which requires overcoming discrepancies in material properties in addition to ensuring that all the materials are compatible with the 3D printing process. Our group has developed strategies for three-dimensionally integrating diverse classes of electronic materials using a custom-built 3D printer to create fully 3D printed active electronic devices.

As proofs of concept, we have 3D printed quantum dot-based light-emitting diodes (QD-LEDs), polymer-based photodiodes on curvilinear surfaces, flexible displays, and skin-interfaced hybrid electronics. These results represent a series of critical steps toward the 3D printing of high performance, active electronic integrated materials and devices.

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