At Simon Fraser University, an innovative professor is at the forefront of pioneering efforts towards achieving a future where sustainability and intelligent technology converge, thanks to advances in printable sensor technology.
The professor, Vincenzo Pecunia, who is part of the esteemed School of Sustainable Energy Engineering, has successfully marshalled a vast international team comprising over a hundred specialists from fifty-seven distinct research entities across the globe. Their collective endeavour has been to draft an exhaustive guide for the forthcoming generation of printable sensor technologies, which aims to revolutionise the integration of sensing functionalities into daily objects and surroundings, significantly contributing to sustainable development and improving human living.
This work has been published in the scientific journal Nano Futures, underlining the transformative potential of these technologies. Sensors provide immediate data from our surroundings, allowing people to make informed decisions regarding resource use and improving aspects of life such as housing, urban development, environmental protection, security, and healthcare.
Vincenzo Pecunia, the principal author of this groundbreaking study, elaborated on the myriad ways sensors could facilitate a more manageable and eco-friendly lifestyle. He articulated, “There are truly countless ways in which sensors can help us make our life easier and more sustainable,” highlighting the diverse applications ranging from healthcare innovations to agricultural productivity, food preservation, and early wildfire detection, which collectively work towards mitigating some of the most pressing challenges faced by humanity.
The comprehensive analysis presented by Pecunia and his international team delves into the nuances of forty-five distinct printable sensor technologies, each responsive to various stimuli, including light, temperature, force, gases, chemicals, and biological agents. A notable contribution from Pecunia’s team is in the domain of printable optical sensors, which bear the potential to impact a range of sectors driven by sustainability goals significantly.
The widespread deployment of these sensors hinges on the ability to mass-produce them, thereby generating substantial data to inform and optimise their use. Printable sensors emerge as a viable solution, characterised by their low-cost and energy-efficient production process. Using specially formulated inks, these sensors can be manufactured at room temperature through straightforward printing or coating techniques. This method starkly contrasts with the production of conventional sensors, which often involves high-temperature processes exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius, making them both financially and environmentally costly.
Pecunia advocates for developing local manufacturing capabilities for printable sensors, emphasising the benefits such an approach would bring to local communities by circumventing the complexities associated with traditional electronic supply chains and enhancing local industries focused on clean technology and high-tech innovations.
Despite the promising outlook for printable sensor technologies, Pecunia acknowledges the need for continued research to address the remaining challenges. He underscores the importance of further scientific inquiry in this field to fully realise the potential of these technologies, stating, “Through our roadmap, our ultimate goal is to catalyse further research advances in printable sensor technology to bring us closer to a green sensor revolution for the benefit of all.” This vision encapsulates the essence of the research, aiming to propel us towards a future where technology and sustainability are inextricably linked, fostering a more innovative and sustainable world.
Author:
Arnold Kristoff
Content Producer and Writer
Nano Magazine | The BreakthroughÂ
