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.
Authors
- Ruohan Zhang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7099-7067)
- Seokheun Choi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1097-2391)
- Zahra Rafiee
Institutions
- Binghamton University (US)
- Research Institute for Sustainability at GFZ (DE)
- BioElectronics (United States) (US)
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
Funders
- National Social Science Fund of China