LONDON, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Scientists at the University of Manchester announced Tuesday that they had developed a low-cost method for producing graphene printed electronics, which significantly speeds up and reduces the cost of conductive graphene inks.

Graphene has the potential to create the next generation of electronics currently limited to science fiction, said the university. It paves the way for faster transistors, semiconductors, bendable phones and flexible wearable electronics.

Scientists have found that using a non-toxic material called dihydrolevogucosenone (Cyrene) can provide higher concentrations and conductivity of graphene ink.

Their work demonstrates that printed graphene technology can be low-cost, sustainable and environmentally friendly for ubiquitous wireless connectivity in the IoT (Internet of Things) era, as well as provide radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting for low power electronics, according to the researchers.

The scientists believe this may prove to be a significant step towards the commercialization of printed graphene technology.

"I believe it would be an evolution in printed electronics industry because the material is such low cost, stable and environmental friendly," said Kewen Pan, lead author of the study.