Smart-sensors, exploring the use of smart-polymers in organic electronics

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Organic electronics, also known as plastic or printable electronics, use polymer or small carbon-based molecule semiconductors, making them inherently flexible with low manufacturing costs compared to traditional silicon based semiconductors. Current technologies based on organic electronics are novel flexible phone and television displays, highly efficient lighting with negligible heat production and plastic solar cells. With the increasing demand for flexible, inexpensive technology, it is believed that the demand for organic circuitry will exceed that of silicon electronics. This research will focus on the fabrication of another growing application of plastic electronics; highly specific sensors. Wearable sensors will detect key physiological parameters, store data and deliver drugs when needed. Inexpensive toxic gas sensors will improve chemical processing and personnel safety. Highly specific sensors with ultra-fast response times will allow for on-site detection of different analytes ranging from contaminants in drinking water to performance-enhancing drugs used by athletes. Pressure-sensitive sensors can give the sense of touch to robotics as well as restoring it for burn victims. Successful implementation or improvement of any of these devices will significantly impact the lives of Canadians and the international community.***My research program will explore the use of novel stimuli-responsive polymers, also known as smart polymers, in organic electronics sensors and study the effect of environmental stimuli on the resulting devices. Through controlled polymerization we will design and synthesize novel smart polymers with tunable stimuli responsive behaviors such as change in polarity upon exposure to CO2, resulting in a change in conductivity. These novel polymers will then be incorporated into organic electronic devices that will exhibit significant changes in performances when exposed to CO2 or other gases, depending on the smart polymer that is used. Integrating smart polymers into these devices will result in next generation bendable, smart, highly specific and tunable organic electronic sensors.***My research program will train highly qualified personnel in the discovery of novel synthetic organic molecules and polymers that can be introduced into flexible gas sensors in the near future. These patentable applications will be of benefit across a wide range of disciplines in Canada and abroad, e.g., more attuned environmental monitoring, increased efficiency in chemical plants, and the development of novel healthcare system for improved quality of life.**