ELECTRONIC Devices (IIT-CNST)
- Organic Bioelectronic Project
2. Edible Electronics Project
3. The Electro-Hydrodynamics of Nanomembranes and Nanocoaxials
The electro-hydrodynamics of nanomembranes and nanocoaxials can be exploited for hybrid electronic integration in high-frequency transistor circuitry, energy harvesting and biomedical sensory technologies, featuring PANI, nylon, conducting oxides, and semiconducting polymers. The investigation of these nano structures will be addressing the critical need for low noise, low power, and high efficiency devices.
Project: IRES scholars will build on the PIs work of electrospinning antireflective coating (ARC) nanofiber membranes (e.g. cobalt doped antimony tin oxide, silicon carbide impregnated composites) to be utilized as intermediate and top layers in PV cells, including perovskite-based devices, and investigate the influence of these layers on spectral response and interactivity. IRES scholars will investigate and characterize electrical, optical, photophysical, morphological and theoretical properties of nanoelectronic devices using IV, SEM, UV-Vis, and rectification testing. Further investigations will include influences of nanofiber surface area on diffuse irradiance, being caused by the scattering of light by suspended particles or clouds. Skills in materials/polymer science, electrospinning, and characterization are needed.
Figure 3. Flexible Thermo Device
4. Electrospun conducting polymer fibers
Electrospun conducting polymer fibers are interesting as a complex fabric of positively (holes) and negatively (electrons) charged conducting fibers for wearable thermoelectric generators, where the body serves as a heat reservoir. Such generators will be helpful in powering future wearable healthcare devices. PI Caironi has led efforts for flexible thermoelectric generators and this work will build on that knowledge (Figure 3).
Project: IRES scholars will find the optimum parameters for the development of the functional devices (i.e. fibers, fiber assemblies, nanoparticle composites, microcapsules, etc.). IRES scholars will analyze the potential of highly doped conjugated polymers for cost-effective and flexible thermoelectric applications using thermal cycling and IV and characterize morphological properties using SEM. Skills in materials/polymer science, electrospinning, and bench top testing will be considered a prerequisite to complete the requested activities.
Figure 4. Electrospun Nano Fiber Membrane (ENFM) Glucose Sensing System
5. Nanofibers of biocompatible conjugated polymers
Nanofibers of biocompatible conjugated polymers as active phases in future edible electronics, e.g. target sensing within the human GI tract, and biosensing, e.g. amperometric sensing of glucose; both of which will enhance point-of-care includes the fabrication of an electrospun conducting composite, PVDF/PEDOT:PSS, nanofiber based glucose sensor system (Figure 4). PIs have also been exploring ingestible electronics for smart tagging of perishable goods and pharmaceutical capsules. The approach transfers biocompatible organic FET circuity, printed on commercially available temporary tattoo-paper, onto edible substrates or pills.
Project: IRES scholars will electrospin polymer fibers as technology platforms to develop both sensors and signal conditioning circuitry (pH, temperature, cytotoxicity), and scholars will characterize membranes to operate in aqueous environments through UV-Vis and study membrane morphology using SEM, AFM, and TEM. Low-temperature electrospinning of fibers will facilitate the fabrication of electronics onto pills to monitor the GI tract or direct transfer onto edibles. Skills in electrospinning and characterization techniques are needed.
