Energy

Projects that have also been developed in our lab include those with applications to energy generation and storage. Some recent projects have involved energy generation using hydrogel electrical double layer generation, protein-based photovoltaics and supercapacitors incorporating nanostructured materials for increased capacity for energy storage. We are interested in applications for energy generation and storage using new materials.

Stretchable Batteries

  Low cost stretchable, washable batteries could enable rapid adoption of smart wearables, such as communication and health monitoring systems, into our daily lives.   Advantages Rechargeable, stretchable, washable, portable Safe and comfortable to be used in flexible wearable electronics Simple to fabricate Capable of being used as bending and stress sensors Low-cost and non-toxic […]

Electric Double Layer Generator

We have been investigating the usage of the change in surface area of droplets of water or hydrogel in contact with two conducting plates to act as an energy generator.  Squeezing a droplet between electrodes can generate a potential difference by converting mechanical energy from vibrations into electrical energy. This harnesses high capacitance inherent to […]

Supercapacitors

Supercapacitors offer incredibly high capacitance per unit mass – 100 F/cubic centimeter or more. We are investigating new nanostructured materials that promise to increase capacitance by an order of magnitude, while also greatly increasing power density, creating a portable storage device that has an energy density close to that of a battery and the incredibly […]