In an exciting step toward greener technology, researchers at Queen Mary University of London have developed a new type of biodegradable film for electronics using starch, a natural polymer found in plants like potatoes, corn, and peas.
This breakthrough, published in Advanced Functional Materials, could help transform the world of electronics by replacing petroleum-based materials with eco-friendly alternatives.
The team’s innovative films are called starch nanocomposites. Unlike typical plastics used in electronics, these films are not only flexible and electrically conductive but also fully biodegradable.
When buried in soil, they decompose within a month, unlike conventional plastics, which can take hundreds of years to break down.
This rapid decomposition makes them an ideal option for reducing e-waste, a major global issue as more electronic devices reach the end of their lifespan.
What makes these films even more exciting is their versatility. They can be tailored to suit different uses by adjusting the amount of MXene, a highly conductive 2D material that the researchers produced in-house.
By changing the concentration of MXene, they can control the films’ strength, electrical conductivity, and sensitivity.
This customization makes these starch-based films suitable for a wide range of applications, such as monitoring body movements, creating tactile sensors, and developing “smart skins” for electronics.
The idea behind these nanocomposites is not only about reducing waste but also about making electronics more sustainable from the very beginning.
The production process relies on water as a solvent, which minimizes harmful chemicals and energy use. Additionally, the main ingredient—starch—is one of the most abundant materials in nature, making these films both renewable and cost-effective.
Ming Dong, the lead researcher from QMUL’s School of Engineering and Materials Science, highlighted the significance of these starch-based films, saying, “Our findings show that sustainable electronics can be achieved.
These starch nanocomposites are not just eco-friendly but also offer practical uses in flexible electronics.”
Dimitrios Papageorgiou, another lead researcher on the project, emphasized the potential impact on reducing e-waste, explaining, “This work is a big step forward in addressing the global challenge of e-waste. Using materials that are both abundant and biodegradable opens up new possibilities for sustainable electronics. With starch-based composites, we merge environmental responsibility with high-performance electronics.”
The team envisions a future where electronic devices no longer contribute to environmental pollution but instead play a role in building a circular, eco-friendly economy.
By developing materials that naturally return to the earth, they aim to help create a world where electronic products are sustainable from production to disposal.
With global demand for sustainable solutions on the rise, these starch nanocomposites represent a promising future where electronics can be both high-performing and kind to the planet, paving the way for green electronics that support a healthier environment.
