Two Dimensional MoS2 and hBN Nanomaterial Inks for Additive Manufacturing of Electronics
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Tony Valayil Varghese, Boise State University; and Dr. Dave Estrada, Boise State University
Presentation Date
7-15-2026
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterial inks are transforming the field of printed electronics owing of their superior electrical performance and mechanical flexibility. However, formulating stable 2D nanomaterial inks remains challenging due to the anisotropic nature of these materials and complex material-solvent interactions, which have historically necessitated the use of toxic solvents and additives. Here, we report a water-based ink formulation incorporating 1-Pyrenesulfonic acid sodium salt (PS1)-functionalized nanosheets as a non-toxic and scalable alternative. The rheological properties of the formulated inks were systematically characterized through viscosity and surface tension measurements using a viscometer and tensiometer, respectively, complemented by contact angle analysis. A co-solvent system was designed by tuning the inverse Ohnesorge number (Z) to simultaneously satisfy the printability requirements of both aerosol jet and inkjet printing modalities. Ink-substrate interactions were investigated through contact angle measurements and coffee ring effect studies to assess wetting behavior and deposition uniformity. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was employed to determine nanosheet layer number and to map their spatial distribution across dried droplets. Collectively, these results demonstrate a viable and environmentally benign pathway for the development of 2D material inks compatible with additive manufacturing of next-generation electronic devices.
Two Dimensional MoS2 and hBN Nanomaterial Inks for Additive Manufacturing of Electronics
Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterial inks are transforming the field of printed electronics owing of their superior electrical performance and mechanical flexibility. However, formulating stable 2D nanomaterial inks remains challenging due to the anisotropic nature of these materials and complex material-solvent interactions, which have historically necessitated the use of toxic solvents and additives. Here, we report a water-based ink formulation incorporating 1-Pyrenesulfonic acid sodium salt (PS1)-functionalized nanosheets as a non-toxic and scalable alternative. The rheological properties of the formulated inks were systematically characterized through viscosity and surface tension measurements using a viscometer and tensiometer, respectively, complemented by contact angle analysis. A co-solvent system was designed by tuning the inverse Ohnesorge number (Z) to simultaneously satisfy the printability requirements of both aerosol jet and inkjet printing modalities. Ink-substrate interactions were investigated through contact angle measurements and coffee ring effect studies to assess wetting behavior and deposition uniformity. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was employed to determine nanosheet layer number and to map their spatial distribution across dried droplets. Collectively, these results demonstrate a viable and environmentally benign pathway for the development of 2D material inks compatible with additive manufacturing of next-generation electronic devices.