This paper introduces a novel concept of “functional destruction” for electronics, where a device’s breakdown is not only the end of its life but also serves a specific purpose, such as sensing environmental changes or securely erasing data. Using sustainable, accessible materials like PVA, beeswax, and even edible chocolate, we developed three fabrication approaches to create electronics capable of safe environmental degradation. This work broadens the design space for transient electronics by exploring diverse, biodegradable materials and practical methods for producing devices that are eco-friendly, disposable, and effective in real-world applications.

Key to this research is the use of bio-based and decomposable materials that are easy to source and process. For example, PVA acts as a biodegradable substrate, while edible gold leaf and silver nanoparticles serve as natural electrodes. While these sustainable components ensure the majority of each device is environmentally safe, some elements—such as copper wires and standard LEDs—still require further development to achieve full sustainability. Future work aims to replace these components with fully biodegradable alternatives or use chipless designs that minimize material use.

The implications of this work are significant, opening up applications in areas where temporary electronics can play critical roles, from environmental monitoring to secure data disposal. By enabling more accessible fabrication and encouraging diverse user adoption, we suggest that functional destruction electronics could lead to a new class of devices with low environmental impact. Although achieving a completely sustainable device is challenging, the approaches and material innovations presented lay the groundwork for eco-friendly transient electronics that are both functional and disposable, aligning with broader goals of reducing electronic waste.