Recent advances in printed devices for next-generation sensing

Recent advances in scalable, high-throughput, and cost-effective printing methods have enabled the rapid development of printed sensors for a broad range of emerging applications. This article reviews recent developments in printed sensors, emphasizing innovative fabrication techniques such as extrusion printing, screen printing, inkjet printing, and aerosol jet printing. These methods enable the rapid production of sensors with intricate designs, high spatial resolution, and exceptional mechanical flexibility, surpassing the capabilities of traditional manufacturing processes. Printed sensors enable the measurement of a diverse range of physical parameters such as temperature, pressure, strain, and chemical or biological signals for structural health, human health, and environmental monitoring. Notably, thermoelectric-based sensors offer energy-efficient solutions for temperature and heat flux monitoring, while thermoelectric generators enable self-powered sensing systems by harnessing waste heat, body heat, or ambient thermal gradients. This review also addresses critical challenges in improving sensor resolution, sensitivity, and durability while offering emerging trends and perspectives on advancing high-performance sensing solutions.