Paper-based RFID tag using MXene towards sustainable IOT

The growing demand for the Internet of Things (IoT) is driving the need for advancements in wireless technologies, including radio frequency identification (RFID), across various industrial and commercial areas. Due to the rising trend in smart electronic devices, electronic waste is becoming a concern, and research studies are being urged to replace conventional materials and fabrication methods. This study introduces MXene-based RFID tags integrated onto a paper substrate, designed to operate within the European (EU) frequency band (865 to 868 MHz). The impedance of the designed standard dipole antenna was matched to the EM4152 RFID IC with 96% efficiency in power transmission coefficient (r) at the frequency of f ≈ 851 MHz. Approximately 600 uL Ti3 C2 Tx MXene solution was drop-casted to form the antenna pattern on paper, and the final tag demonstrated at least 145 cm readability in a cluttered environment. The results indicated that MXene solution on paper formed robust bonds and exhibited efficient performance compared to an acetate substrate counterpart.