A newly developed flexible, biodegradable semiconductor developed by Stanford
engineers shown on a human hair.
Credit: Bao Lab
The computer revolution has put the world's knowledge at your fingertips — and a growing pile of long-lived, hazardous electronic junk in your local landfill.
A team of scientists in California say they may be able to change that by producing lightweight, flexible circuitry that's also biodegradable. The researchers report they have produced a semiconductor built on a base of cellulose, the main ingredient in plant fibers. The rest of the device is made of carbon-based compounds, with ordinary iron providing the electrodes.
And when it's time to get rid of it, just add a dash of vinegar — a weak acid with a pH comparable to that kitchen staple will start dissolving the device. https://www.livescience.com/58981-biodegradable-circuitry-could-shrink-the-worlds-growing-piles-of-e-waste.html
