Versatile Foldable Inkjet‐Printed Thermoacoustic Loudspeaker on Paper

Abstract

The rise of flexible electronics has sparked a demand for components, such as loudspeakers, that seamlessly integrate into various applications while maintaining their performance. However, current loudspeakers typically rely on electromechanical systems, necessitating significant space for components such as coils and magnets. This limits their flexibility and usage in thin, conformable devices. To address this, a paper‐based thermoacoustic (TA) loudspeaker utilizing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) via inkjet printing is introduced. This TA loudspeaker demonstrates exceptional flexibility and durability, maintaining high acoustic performance across human‐audible frequencies up to 20 kHz, even when subjected to extensive mechanical deformation. Additionally, employing inkjet printing technology streamlines their manufacturing processes, offering a cost‐effective solution with scalability for mass production. Furthermore, an origami‐inspired 3D folding architecture enhances the loudspeaker's portability and enables versatile shape configurations, thus broadening its utility across electronic devices. These demonstrations offer a potential solution for next‐generation audio systems in flexible electronics.