Research
Wearable Electronics
Electronic devices are currently inseparable from our lives and increasingly incorporated into wearable devices that blur the existing complex interface between humans and machines. Wearable electronics (directly attached on skin or integrated in clothes) are designed to accurately monitor human-activity and personal health through collecting large amount of data.
Our current research in this area is focused on printed stretchable conductors and electronics. Addressing materials challenges such as structural compatibility with human body, long term stability, and feasible manufacturing are the main scope of this project. In a recent study, we have developed a versatile fabrication method for integration of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) and room-temperature liquid metal alloys (eutectic gallium indium; EGaIn) to create thin, stretchable (up to 80% strain) electronic circuits.
Nanomaterials Synthesis & Integration for Self-Powered Electronics
Zero-dimensional (0-D) nanomaterials (i.e. nanoparticles, nanocubes, and nanodroplets) and one-dimensional (1-D) nanomaterials (i.e. nanowires, nanofibers, nanotubes, and nanorods) are the essential building block of numerous miniaturized electromechanical devices.
In this research area, we are focused on nanomaterials synthesis with controlled morphology (shape and size) and architecture (vertically aligned and free-standing), advanced materials characterization, and most importantly integration of wide range of nanomaterials (e.g. EGaIn, ZnO, Ag, BaTiO3, & PZT) into nanocomposite devices and wearable self-powered biosensors. Studying the role of nanomaterials morphology, effect of materials interfaces, and electromechanical changes under elastic deformations is the foundation of our research.
Additive Manufacturing of Functional Materials
Various multifunctional materials with unprecedented properties have been developed over the past decades, but they have not yet reached their ultimate potential in practical applications due to limitations in manufacturing. Challenges include extensive fabrication steps, use of complex equipment, dependency on advanced expertise, and high final cost.
Our research in this field involves utilizing innovative manufacturing approaches and studying the chemistry and physics of functional constituents to fabricate devices that exhibit durability and longevity under real-world conditions. Our recent journal article shows the first printed nanocomposite energy harvesters with spatially controlled filler orientation realized directly from a digital design.
Multifunctional Composites
Fiber reinforced polymer composites are becoming ubiquitous in modern structures due to their high specific strength and ability to be tailored for specific applications. Therefore, composites are an excellent choice for functional materials that can withstand mechanical forces.
Conformal growth of ZnO and other ferroelectric/piezoelectric nanowires on the surface of structural fibers is the foundation of my research on multifunctional composites. By tailoring the fiber-matrix interfaces at the nanoscale level, we were able to develop a methodology for fabrication of high strength multifunctional composites and demonstrate for the first time that a nanostructured functional interface not only provides embedded functionality, but also enhances the mechanical properties of the composite.