Advancements in Solution Processable Devices using Metal Oxides For Printed Internet-of-Things Objects

Internet-of-things (IoT) objects are expected to exceed 75 billion objects by 2020, and a large part of the expansion is expected to be at a finer granularity than existing silicon-based IoT objects (i.e. tablets and cell phones) can deliver [1]. Currently, placing a room light or a thermostat on the internet for remote control is considered progressive. However, if printed electronics can achieve performance increases, then IoT objects could be affixed to almost anything, such as coffee creamer cartons, cereal boxes, or that missing sock. Each of these IoT objects could be driving a sensor, perhaps position, temperature or pressure, essentially a multitude of applications. In order for IoT objects to emulate a simple postage stamp, with self-powering from energy scavenging and local energy storage, all housed in a non-toxic flexible form factor, advances in solution processable devices need to occur.