Printed electronics is based on conventional printing techniques as the means to manufacture electronic devices and systems. The aim of printed electronics is to make integrated electronic systems using printing technology instead of expensive and complex integrated circuit (IC) manufacturing technology. Printed electronics is still a growing field and in its early stage of development, but will certainly prosper in the future.
This book gives an excellent introduction to printed electronics, including materials, technologies, and applications. It is written by members of Zheng Cui’s research team. They include not only the information and knowledge published by others, but also their research experience and results. This book reflects the authors’ understanding of printed electronics and observations of the technological progress in the field.
The book comprises nine chapters. Chapter 1 provides a historical introduction and an overview of printed electronics. Chapter 2 illustrates printed electronics based on organic materials, including conductive, semiconducting, and insulating polymers. Chapter 3 describes printed electronics based on inorganic materials with commonly used materials such as metallic ink, transparent oxides, carbon nanotubes, graphene, silicon, germanium, and metal chalcogenides. Chapter 4 is devoted to printing processes and equipment, where jet and replicate printing, including pre- and post-printing processes, are involved. Printing as an alternative manufacturing technology gives organic electronics and flexible electronics extra dimensions and new application possibilities. Chapters 5–7 provide the details of printed thin-film transistors, organic thin-film solar cells, and organic light emission and display, respectively, where the device structures and fabrication processes are discussed with various involved materials. Chapter 8 details encapsulation technologies for organic electronic devices. Chapter 9 discusses applications and future prospects of printed electronics. Printing combined with organic and inorganic electronic materials and flexible substrates will create new applications, markets, and industries. References are listed at the end of each chapter, and an index is provided at the end of the book.
The authors have compiled a comprehensive set of information and knowledge in this book. Readers will gain a general understanding of printed electronics, from the materials and technologies involved to potential applications. The figures and tables are adequate, and there are worked examples in this book. Those who have a general knowledge of physics, chemistry, or electronics will be able to comprehend the contents of this book. It is a good monograph for researchers and can also be used as a textbook for graduate students. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in printed electronics, as well as microelectronics, transparent electronics, and flexible electronics.
Reviewer: Jianguo Lu is an associate professor at Zhejiang University, China.
