Superconductive and flexible antenna based on a tri-nanocomposite of graphene nanoplatelets, silver, and copper for wearable electronic devices

Abstract

Printed electronics, fueled by graphene's conductivity and flexibility, are revolutionizing wearable technology, surpassing copper's limitations in cost, signal quality, size, and environmental impact. Graphene-based inks are positioned to lead in this domain, offering cost-effective solutions directly applicable to materials such as textiles and paper. However, graphene encounters a primary drawback due to its lack of an energy band gap, constraining its potential applications in various electronic devices. In this study, we present a novel formulation of a superconductive, flexible leather graphene antenna utilizing a tri-nanocomposite structure of Graphene Nanoplatelet/Silver/Copper (GNP/Ag/Cu), covering a wideband bandwidth from 5.2 GHz to 8.5 GHz. The electrical conductivity of the GNP/Ag/Cu sample was assessed using the four-point probe method. With each additional layer, conductivity increased from 10.473 × 10⁷ S/m to 40.218 × 10⁷ S/m, demonstrating a direct correlation between conductivity and antenna gain. The study evaluates the efficacy of various thicknesses of conductive Graphene (GNP/Ag/Cu) ink on drill fabric. Safety assurance is provided through specific absorption rate (SAR) testing, indicating 0.84 W/kg per 10 g of tissue for an input power of 0.5 W, in compliance with ICNIRP standards for wearable device safety. Additionally, a morphological analysis of the antenna was conducted, showcasing its potential for efficient signal transmission in wearable electronic devices.