Selecting intricate components to create modern electronic devices is not a simple task.
However, it is a necessary factor for recycling these devices. In fact, this process generates millions of tons of electronic waste each year. Nonetheless, new research has highlighted a way to help address this issue.
Scientists have discovered a method that allows the important components of electronic devices to dissolve in water.
The polymer shell and electronic circuits completely dissolved within 40 hours.
The research was conducted by scientists at Tianjin University in China. This research team had previously developed a new type of zinc-based nanocomposite material that can dissolve in water.
The idea was that this material could be used for temporary electronic circuits. However, they found that the material did not possess sufficient conductivity for use in consumer devices.
To address this shortcoming, the research team modified the zinc-based nanocomposite by adding silver nanowires, which enhanced its conductivity.
This composite was then printed onto a biodegradable polymer known as polyvinyl alcohol. The circuits would solidify through chemical reactions triggered by water droplets.
This nano-composite circuit was formed and subsequently placed inside a shell made of polyvinyl alcohol. Meanwhile, sensors for heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and step counts were added to complete the design of the smartwatch.
During testing, the prototype wearable device received high praise for its sweat resistance and its ability to withstand water.
When the entire device was fully submerged, the polymer shell and electronic circuits completely dissolved within 40 hours. What remained to retrieve was simply the OLED screen and the microcontroller, along with resistors and capacitors integrated into the circuits.
Currently, scientists still have a long way to go to transform the prototype into a shape resembling a conventional smartwatch that users wear on their wrists. However, the researchers express confidence that they have laid the groundwork for a temporary device with equivalent performance.
