John’s lab does research on actuators, sensors and other innovative devices based on smart materials.
Much of John’s research combines electrochemistry and emerging materials to explore new applications, fabrication processes and devices. It began with Ian Hunter and the invention of a process to locally electrodeposit 3D structures, followed by study and modeling of conducting polymer-based artificial muscle. These actuators are being applied to create steerable neurovascular catheters, with neurosurgeon Victor Yang, and to develop paper thin tactile displays. A multi-disciplinary approach is key, with advances in polymer chemistry and fabrication provided by French collaborators at the LPPI and the IEMN/Polytechnique des Hauts de France. Carbon nanotubes, graphene, metal nanowires and even nylon can be used to create incredibly strong and fast artificial muscle – work that is in collaboration with teams led by Ray Baughman, Geoffrey Spinks, Seon Jeong Kim and others. The nylon-based torsional muscle is being applied in wearable medical devices. Similar materials and structures create fast charging supercapacitors, stretchable electrochromics and extendable batteries. Electrochemistry can also be used to integrate energy storage into solar cells – potentially helping overcome a major limitation with this renewable source of energy. This work involves incorporation of photosynthetic proteins, with Tom Beatty at UBC, or inorganic materials in flow batteries, designed and tested with David Office and Gordon Wallace. Most recently our team, led by Mirza Saquib Sarwar, has been looking at skin-like sensors that detect pressure, shear, proximity and temperature. Applications are being developed for providing to mechanical fingers and hands with Barber Prosthetics Clinic, and in robotics with industry collaborators. Also being developed are medical devices for helping prevent bed sores, among other applications.