High-Density Papertronics via Laser-Written Hydrophilicity on Hydrophobic Parchment Paper

High-resolution paper-based electronics are fundamentally limited by uncontrolled ink spreading within porous cellulose networks, which constrains device density and functional integration. Here, we introduce a laser-induced hydrophilic patterning strategy on commercially available hydrophobic parchment paper that fundamentally redefines the resolution, scalability, and design freedom of papertronics. Local laser modification converts selected regions into ink-guiding hydrophilic microchannels, enabling deterministic confinement of functional materials without wax, masks, or high-temperature processing. This strategy supports few-hundred-micrometer-scale patterning, achieving a > 200% reduction in device footprint relative to wax-based approaches and offering a clear route toward further miniaturization via optical refinement. Using this platform, we realize fully printed resistors, low-loss interconnects, interdigitated capacitors, and integrated low- and high-pass RC filters within a single paper layer, exhibiting predictable, tunable electrical behavior consistent with circuit theory. Importantly, the predominantly cellulose-based substrate preserves biodegradability and disposability, while optional elastomeric encapsulation confers environmental robustness without compromising performance. By unifying high-resolution patterning, functional integration, and environmental compatibility, this work establishes laser-patterned parchment paper as a scalable and sustainable electronics platform, bridging the gap between laboratory papertronics and deployable electronic systems.

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Publication Details

Journal
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
Published
2026-04-16
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.6c03065
Primary Topic
Advanced Cellulose Research Studies
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

High-Density Papertronics via Laser-Written Hydrophilicity on Hydrophobic Parchment Paper

Ruohan Zhang, Seokheun Choi, Zahra Rafiee
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
Advanced Cellulose Research Studies
article

High-Density Papertronics via Laser-Written Hydrophilicity on Hydrophobic Parchment Paper

Ruohan Zhang, Seokheun Choi, Zahra Rafiee
article en

Abstract

High-resolution paper-based electronics are fundamentally limited by uncontrolled ink spreading within porous cellulose networks, which constrains device density and functional integration. Here, we introduce a laser-induced hydrophilic patterning strategy on commercially available hydrophobic parchment paper that fundamentally redefines the resolution, scalability, and design freedom of papertronics. Local laser modification converts selected regions into ink-guiding hydrophilic microchannels, enabling deterministic confinement of functional materials without wax, masks, or high-temperature processing. This strategy supports few-hundred-micrometer-scale patterning, achieving a > 200% reduction in device footprint relative to wax-based approaches and offering a clear route toward further miniaturization via optical refinement. Using this platform, we realize fully printed resistors, low-loss interconnects, interdigitated capacitors, and integrated low- and high-pass RC filters within a single paper layer, exhibiting predictable, tunable electrical behavior consistent with circuit theory. Importantly, the predominantly cellulose-based substrate preserves biodegradability and disposability, while optional elastomeric encapsulation confers environmental robustness without compromising performance. By unifying high-resolution patterning, functional integration, and environmental compatibility, this work establishes laser-patterned parchment paper as a scalable and sustainable electronics platform, bridging the gap between laboratory papertronics and deployable electronic systems.

ACS Applied Materials & InterfacesVol. 18(16)
Binghamton University (US), Research Institute for Sustainability at GFZ (DE), BioElectronics (United States) (US)
National Social Science Fund of China
Openalex Percentile: Top 20%
Advanced Cellulose Research Studies
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High-Density Papertronics via Laser-Written Hydrophilicity on Hydrophobic Parchment Paper — Ruohan Zhang, Seokheun Choi, et al. · ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS