Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have made a groundbreaking advancement in 3D printing active electronics without the need for traditional semiconductor materials. This breakthrough involves creating 3D-printed logic gates, fundamental components used in processing tasks within electronic devices. Instead of relying on conventional manufacturing processes, these logic gates were produced using standard 3D printing techniques and a biodegradable polymer. This step brings the concept of fully 3D-printed electronics closer to reality, offering exciting possibilities for accessible and decentralised electronics production.

Semiconductor-Free Logic Gates

MIT’s research team, led by Luis Fernando Velásquez-García from the Microsystems Technology Laboratories, has developed logic gates using a copper-doped polymer, avoiding the use of traditional semiconductors like silicon. These gates perform basic switching operations, similar to how silicon-based transistors function in everyday electronics. While these 3D-printed components are not yet on par with silicon transistors in terms of performance, they can be effectively used for less complex operations, such as controlling the speed of a motor.

The innovation lies in the ability to 3D print these devices using inexpensive, eco-friendly materials, potentially allowing electronics to be manufactured in a more sustainable and affordable manner. The idea is to democratise production, enabling individuals, businesses, and small labs to print their own devices.

The Future of Fully Printed Electronics

Despite the current limitations, such as the inability to miniaturise these components to the nanoscale level of traditional transistors, the potential of 3D-printed logic gates is immense. MIT’s research team is already exploring further developments to create more complex circuits and eventually fully functional 3D-printed devices.

This technology, if perfected, could revolutionise the way electronic devices are manufactured, making it possible to print active devices without the need for expensive, large-scale facilities. The implications for industries ranging from consumer electronics to healthcare and beyond could be vast, as this innovation brings down the cost and complexity of device production.

China has revealed ambitious plans to build a lunar space station and explore the possibility of habitable planets as part of its long-term space programme. On Tuesday, China’s space authorities announced a comprehensive development plan that will run from 2024 to 2050, with the intention of launching a manned lunar mission in the near future. This announcement marks a significant step in China’s space exploration efforts, focusing on advancing scientific understanding of the solar system and investigating the potential for extraterrestrial life.

Lunar Space Station and Mission Timeline

According to the China Academy of Sciences (CAS) Vice President, Ding Chibiao, the lunar space station will be constructed in phases, with completion expected between 2028 and 2035. The space station will serve as a vital base for future exploration missions, allowing scientists to conduct research on celestial bodies within the solar system. This initiative follows China’s previous successes, including the operation of the Tiangong space station and the Chang’e lunar exploration programme, which has already provided valuable data on the Moon’s surface.

Exploration of Celestial Bodies and Habitability

As part of this programme, China’s space agencies, including the CAS and the China Manned Space Agency, have identified 17 key research areas. These priorities focus on studying the habitability of celestial bodies in the solar system, searching for exoplanets, and exploring extraterrestrial life. Ding Chibiao emphasised the importance of these investigations, noting that they aim to uncover the physical characteristics of planets and atmospheres that may support life, while also delving into the evolution of the universe itself.

Focus on Cosmic Phenomena

In addition to lunar exploration, China‘s plan includes broader investigations into the universe’s origins, gravitational waves, and cosmic matter. Research will also cover the Sun and the Earth’s cyclical systems, allowing for a more detailed understanding of space weather and the dynamic interactions between Earth and the heliosphere. China aims to be at the forefront of space science by 2050, contributing to global knowledge of both our planet and the cosmos.