RESEARCH AREAS

Polymer network | Bioelectronics | Mechanics | Transport | Characterization
Soft polymeric electronics hold great promise for bio-interfacing and bio-inspired applications, such as health monitoring, disease diagnosis, medical treatment, human-robotic interaction, and neuromorphic computing. However, achieving breakthroughs in device performance and multifunctional integration by controlling the macroscopic material properties at the molecular level remains a significant challenge.
Our group aims to precisely control the multi-scale assembled structure of electroactive polymer networks through designing molecular building blocks, programming dynamic interactions, network percolation and reconfiguration. Utilizing novel characterization methods, we will investigate how the topological dynamics and transport behaviors under external stimulus dictate macroscopic properties and encode the mechanism understanding into iterative material designs. Through a double loop, we aim to create electronic materials and devices capable of communicating with biological systems in an efficient, long-term reliable, and safe manner.
Organic mixed conductors and electrochemical transistors
Organic mixed ionic-electronic conductors (OMIECs) with adjustable electronic conductivity upon ion implantation are the critical component of organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs). OECT with built-in amplification capability possesses similar signal transduction mechanisms as synapses between neurons and, therefore, is regarded as a promising device for biosensing, electrophysiological recording, and neuromorphic computing. We will investigate how to control OMEIC network composition and topology to improve OECT device efficiency and cycle life, thus enabling accurate and reliable signal transduction across biotics/electronics interface.

Resolving molecular mechanisms of polymer network mechanics

Long-term mechanical stability is crucial for practical implementation of bioelectronics interfacing with dynamically moving skin and organs for reliable sensing and efficient stimulation. Despite rapid advancement in stretchable electronics, the mechanical degradation mechanism remains poorly understood. We will spatiotemporally resolve molecular bonding states and corresponding network topological evolution within electroactive polymers over mechanical deformation utilizing custom-built optical-mechanical characterization platforms. The obtained insights can be leveraged to advance the inverse design of electronic materials with desired mechanics.

Stretchable encapsulation for environmentally stable bioelectronics

Encapsulation is essential for the long-term stable operation of electronics through retarding diffusion of environmental degradation species, such as water and oxygen. Since bioelectronics operates in a dynamic mechanical environment with direct contact with tissues and biofluids, new form factors of mechanical adaptability, comformability and biocompatibility must be implemented into encapsulation design to avoid device failure and immune response over long-term use. We aim to develop new material platform combining all desired properties and novel fabrication methods for integrating encapsulation layer with electronic devices.