A 2017 study showed that water-based inks made from graphene and other two-dimensional crystals could be inkjet-printed into working electronic structures. The researchers also reported favorable results in cell-based toxicity tests—but those tests do not show that graphene devices are safe to implant or use in people. The work is a laboratory proof of concept, not a consumer product or clinical-safety finding.
What the researchers printed
Daryl McManus and colleagues developed water-based formulations for inkjet printing graphene and other two-dimensional (2D) materials. Their paper, “Water-based and biocompatible 2D crystal inks for all-inkjet-printed heterostructures,” appeared online on 30 January 2017 in Nature Nanotechnology (volume 12, pages 343–350; DOI 10.1038/nnano.2016.281). PubMed’s bibliographic record lists the publication.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The approach addressed manufacturing challenges in printing 2D materials, including reliance on toxic solvents, low ink concentration, costly or time-consuming processing, and unwanted mixing between materials in multilayer structures. The study names graphene, molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide, and hexagonal boron nitride among the materials used in its water-based ink approach. The authors reported forming multilayer films and printed heterostructures.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Demonstrated devices
- Large-area photosensor arrays printed on plastic and paper.
- Programmable logic memory devices made from printed heterostructures.
A contemporaneous Chemistry World report described one memory demonstration as a basic four-bit memory and noted that it was far from practical usefulness. That result shows a device concept could be made; it does not establish the performance, durability, or affordability of a useful memory product.
#1 Best Overall
- Multipurpose Conductive Paint: Use it for everything from simple electric repairs to complex electronic circuits creations.
- Non-toxic and safe: Ideal for homes, and workshops.
- Easy to apply: Dries quickly at room temperature and can be removed with soap and water.
- Versatile surfaces: Paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, wood, drywall, metals and more...
- Replace acid etching: Simplify prototyping and experimentation.
Does “biocompatible” mean the inks are non-toxic?
Not in the broad sense implied by “non-toxic.” The study’s evidence was based on in-vitro, or laboratory cell-based, dose-escalation cytotoxicity assays. The authors said those assays confirmed biocompatibility of the inks under the conditions tested, and wrote that this “extend[s] their possible use to biomedical applications.” The qualifiers matter: this was an in-vitro result, and biomedical use was described as possible, not demonstrated as safe.
The tests do not establish clinical safety, long-term effects in living tissue, or permission to implant a device. Chemistry World reported that cells bound to the crystals and sometimes internalized them, a behavior the researchers said required further investigation. The finding is therefore a reason to study biological interactions further, not proof that exposure is harmless.
Rank #2
- Excellent Electrical and Thermal Conductivity
- Excellent Adhesion
- Durable yet Flexible when cured
- Anti-cracking
Can you print graphene electronics with a regular inkjet printer?
The study demonstrated inkjet printing using its own research formulations and process. It does not establish that a consumer printer, ordinary cartridge, or retail graphene ink can reproduce the reported structures or devices. A generic printer or 2D-material supply is not equivalent to the researchers’ formulation and multilayer fabrication method.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsLikewise, the paper is not evidence of a commercially available product. Its photosensors and memory structures were laboratory demonstrations, and the sources do not establish a market-ready device or a head-to-head performance comparison with other printed-electronics methods.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- HIGHLY PRACTICAL: This conductive pen has good air conductivity due to its fast air drying feature, and the fluidity of the coating is long, can be used with confidence.
- CREATION: Imagine the lines drawn with the conductive ink as liquid wires. You can unleash your creativity and draw vibrant circuit patterns with this conductive pen.
- EXCELLENT ADHESION: The conductive ink adheres well to ordinary materials and is not easily washed away by water, ensuring long lasting and conductivity.
- RETENTION METHOD: If you want to preserve your artwork and make it more lasting, you can spray a layer of clear varnish over it.
- CONVENIENT CARRYING: With its compact size, this conductive pen is easy to carry and store, convenient to take it with you wherever you need it.
Rank #4
- Professional-grade electromagnetic shielding: The high conductivity of graphene causes electromagnetic waves to be reflected at its surface. Within the graphene layer, electromagnetic waves are absorbed and converted into thermal energy. These waves undergo multiple reflections within the coating, causing their energy to gradually diminish. This effectively reduces the impact of external electromagnetic interference on guitar pickups, enhancing the purity of the sound quality
- Innovative graphene formulation delivers exceptional conductivity and lasting protection: Utilizing graphene material with high electrical conductivity, it forms an effective conductive network. Simultaneously, graphene's layered structure creates a dense barrier, endowing the coating with outstanding rustproofing and corrosion resistance. Not only does it shield signals, but it also protects the instrument's base material, keeping it looking like new for years to come
- Heat dissipation performance：Graphene's high thermal conductivity enables it to dissipate heat effectively in guitar coatings.When heat is generated by the guitar's electronic components during operation, it can be rapidly conducted and dispersed through the graphene coating, preventing localized overheating
- Water-based formula: Guitar shielding paint is easily washable when wet and forms a durable protective layer after drying.Low VOC (low volatile organic compounds), minimal odor, safer and more environmentally friendly to use
- Multi-purpose Conductive Coating: Beyond guitars, this coating can be applied in other scenarios requiring electromagnetic shielding, such as protecting residential spaces from electromagnetic radiation emitted by communication base stations, or creating a “clean” electromagnetic environment for university research and corporate R&D
Rank #3
- ULTRA-HIGH CONDUCTIVITY: Our conductive paint has good conductivity, anti-static, stable resistance and no attenuation
- STRONG ADHESION: Highly durable and flexible, with excellent adhesion to surfaces such as glass, ceramics, metals, cement, and other substrates
- HOW TO USE: Clean the substrate and make sure the substrate is completely dry; Stir the graphite paint coating evenly before use for 1 minute; Apply evenly on the surface of the substrate
- APPLICABLE SCENARIOS: This high-quality graphite conductive paint provides a smooth conductive layer on a variety of surfaces for 3D printing, resin models and other non-conductive materials
- APPLICABLE PEOPLE: This graphite conductive paint designed for electroforming and electroplating enthusiasts, professionals, artists and DIY creators
What the study does—and does not—show
- It shows: water-based 2D-crystal formulations can be used to inkjet-print heterostructures, with photosensor arrays and programmable logic memory demonstrated.
- It supports: a limited claim of biocompatibility based on in-vitro cytotoxicity assays under the study’s test conditions.
- It does not show: that graphene itself is universally non-toxic, that printed devices are safe for human use or implantation, or that a consumer-ready product exists.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
