Project Overview
Bio-based Electronic Materials
Department(s)
Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
We seek applications from students interested in carrying out experimental work on electrical measurements and developing devices from the following materials of biological origin.
- Leaf-based Devices: Leaves are abundant, naturally engineered bio-based materials found in various shapes and sizes, with different cross-sectional morphologies. Either by using the vascular channels available within leaves, using ionic solutions within the cells, or by integrating conducting polymers within them, various electronic devices can be developed. Students working on this project this summer will either develop leaf-based salinity-driven power generator or leaf-based electronic components and piezoelectric sensors. The overall goal of this research is to develop ‘green’ functional devices that minimize environmental impact and also realize applications not possible using conventional silicon-based electronics.
- Aromatic Amino Acid-based Materials: Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and aromatic amino acids are ones with aromatic rings. The aromatic rings act as sites for delocalized electrons. With the help of inherent charges and aromatic residues, amino acids can self-assemble into rigid nanowires or nanotubes when placed in a solution environment. The students working on this project will investigate mixed proton-electron transport in these nanostructures, and study the self-assmebly process. Understanding the properties of these novel materials will help us develop bio-based devices with reduced environmental footprint, that can interact seamlessly with biological tissues and possess functionalities to interact with their environment in ways that are not possible with conventional silicon-based electronics.
Students working on both of these projects will gain hands-on skills in device fabrication and electronic characterization.
In your application, please make sure to indicate whether you are interested in leaf-based electronics or aromatic amino acid-based materials.
Student Qualifications
Students willing to work on these projects should have the following qualifications:
- Should have at least completed three semesters of physics and/or chemistry courses.
- Have experience or a strong interest in working on experimental projects, especially those related to materials and/or devices.
- Be motivated, patient, meticulous, and willing to learn.
Number of Student Researchers
4 students
Project Length
8 weeks
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