Scalable Spray-Based Fabrication of Carbon–Zinc Oxide Nanomaterials for Next-Generation Electroshielding and Flexible Electronics
Cristina Pachiu1, Roxana Marinescu1, Valentin Tudose1,2, Cosmin Romanitan1, Oana Brincoveanu1, Mirela Petruta Suchea1,2*, Emmanouel Koudoumas1,2*
1 National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies - IMT Bu-charest, 126A, Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, 077190, Voluntari-Bucharest, ROMANIA;
2 Center of Materials Technology and Photonics, School of Engineering, Hellenic Mediterranean University (HUM), 71410 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; M.P.S.
Abstract:
The advancement of nanomaterial-based coatings is essential for the next generation of flexible electronics, smart surfaces, and functional layers. One of the main challenges in this field lies in achieving uniform, large-area deposition of nanostructured materials, while maintaining scalability and cost efficiency. Towards this scope, in this research, we explore spray deposition as a promising method for fabricating Carbon-Zinc Oxide (CNHs, CHOs-ZnO) nanomaterials on flexible substrates.
This technique allows for precise control over film morphology, enabling the creation of high-quality coatings with optimized electrical, optical, and electromagnetic shielding properties. The use of a custom-designed nozzle enhances the spray process, by producing a more refined droplet size distribution, resulting in improved film uniformity, increased conductivity, and better adhesion to flexible surfaces.
By carefully adjusting the deposition parameters, we obtained coatings with controlled thickness, porosity, and surface roughness—critical factors for achieving high-performance electromagnetic shielding. To assess the potential of the synthesized CNHs and CHOs-ZnO nanomaterials, we perform tests to evaluate their EMI shielding efficiency. The results demonstrate that the spray-deposited films exhibit outstanding electromagnetic radiation blocking capabilities, along with mechanical flexibility and durability, making them suitable for applications in wearable electronics, aerospace shielding, and advanced communication systems.
Additionally, these coatings seem to be promising for use in energy storage devices, sensors, and smart textiles, where lightweight, conductive, and protective materials are in demand. This study highlights the versatility and scalability of spray deposition as a fabrication technique for functional nanomaterials. By integrating customized deposition strategies, we can contribute to the progress of next-generation coatings, paving the way for their implementation across diverse technological fields.
Acknowledgments:
This research was funded by PNRR/2022/C9/MCID/I8 CF23/14 11 2022 contract 760101/23.05.2023 financed by the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digitalization in “Development of a program to attract highly specialized human resources from abroad in research, development, and innovation activities” within the – PNRR-IIIC9-2022 - I8 PNRR/2022/Component 9/investment 8. IMT’s contribution was partially supported by Romanian Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digitalisation through the μNanoEl, Cod: 23 07 core Programme, INFRACHIP Project - European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation actions under GA No. 101131822.
Replies