Kirigami , a variation of Japanese origami that involves cutting and folding paper to create three-dimensional figures, could hold the key to the future of telecommunications , as researchers at Drexel University and British Columbia University have applied the ancient art to develop reconfigurable microwave antennas using advanced nanomaterials.
Flexible and adaptable “kirigami-style” antennas
The team, which published its findings in Nature Communications , has shown how a simple sheet coated with MXene , a nanomaterial that possesses conductive properties, can be transformed into tunable radio antennas. This discovery allows the antennas to change shape and thereby adjust their ability to transmit electromagnetic waves .
MXene has conductive properties. Source: AJ Drexel Nanomaterials Institute Official
With the growing demand for smaller, faster and more efficient devices, these antennas could play a crucial role. Being able to adjust their frequency simply by physically manipulating their structure opens a door to new applications in areas such as soft robotics and aerospace infrastructure .
The ability to manufacture these antennas cheaply and easily also increases their potential in the telecommunications industry.
MXene: the material behind the magic
MXene, originally developed at Drexel, is key to this breakthrough. This nanomaterial can adhere to stretchable substrates, allowing the antennas to maintain their durability and flexibility. The team used kirigami techniques to cut specific patterns into the MXene-coated surface, creating antennas that can be easily reconfigured for different communication frequencies.
Furthermore, these antennas have proven effective in three widely used microwave frequency bands, confirming their viability in future 5G networks and beyond.
This approach is technologically innovative and opens the door to new forms of design. Kirigami, with its ability to transform a flat sheet into three-dimensional structures, offers both an aesthetic and functional solution. According to the researchers, this is just the first step towards integrating flexible and adjustable antennas into modern wireless devices .
As next steps, the team plans to explore new geometries and materials to maximize the performance and efficiency of these reconfigurable antennas.
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Source and photo: Drexel University