Researchers from The University of Manchester have designed graphene sensors embedded into Radio-Frequency Identification (RFIDs) in a bid to “revolutionise the Internet of Things (IoT)”.

The team of researchers have refined remote sensing humidity sensors which connect to any wireless network, including WiFi and 5G, by layering graphene-oxide over graphene to create a flexible heterostructure.

The nature of this development is so sensors can be printed layer-by-layer for scalable and mass production at a low cost, according to Scientific Reports.

It will give scientists the ability to layer graphene and other 2D materials to create high-performance structures for specific purposes, such as helping applications like battery-free smart wireless monitor manufacturing processes that are sensitive to healthcare, nuclear waste and food safety.

It also has the potential to simplify how information is gathered through wireless systems without being limited to a particular wireless network, without the need of a battery source as it harvests power via the receiver.