All-Carbon-Based Complementary Integrated Circuits

Owing to the growing global increase in electronic and electrical waste (e-waste), significant challenges arise regarding the proper disposal of electronic devices. One potential solution that has gained attention is the development of disposable electronics, in which all components are designed to be for safe and environmentally friendly disposal. In this study, all-carbon-based complementary integrated circuits composed of printed single-crystalline thin films of p- and n-type organic semiconductors, graphite-based carbon electrodes/wiring, and polymeric dielectrics/substrates are demonstrated. Elemental analysis reveals that the total amount of metallic element contaminants weighed <50 parts per million (ppm). The demonstrated analog/digital integrated circuits with 64 p- and n-type organic thin-film transistors exhibit stable operation under ambient environmental conditions. These all-carbon-based complementary integrated circuits possess excellent element traceability, thus mitigating the potential environmental impacts throughout the device's life cycle. Consequently, this advancement represents a significant step toward addressing the global environmental challenges associated with e-waste.