“One of the main cost advantages of printed plastic transistors is that they will not need specialized, costly fabrication facilities and procedures, while silicon transistors require ultra-clean room environments, high-temperature vacuum systems, and complex, photolithographic processes,” says Xerox researcher Beng Ong.

Another advantage is that unlike silicon, printed organic electronics (POE) are flexible and lightweight. Although plastic transistors are larger and slower than silicon transistors, they should prove to be quite sufficient for large-area electronic applications, such as electronic paper and computer and television screens, which Xerox anticipates will begin appearing in the next 3 to 5 years.