Electrochemical energy storage for wearable electronics: yarn-like and knitted electrodes composed of molecularly imprinted carbons and polymers

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The rapid growth in wearable electronics is no longer driven by the dream of a "bionic human", but by the new dawn of artificial intelligence. For applications such as sensing thru perception of body movement (especially needed for those suffering from vision impairment), fitness trackers, or implantable therapeutic and drug-delivery methods (e.g., implantable insulin pumps), devices should be made of electronic materials that are responsive, deformable to fit the wearer, and yet operational within the user's range of motion. Their success, in large part, depends on integrating them with an energizer (battery or supercapacitor) that can be worn as unobstructively as clothing to supply electricity to textile-like electronics. Thus, our research is focused on development of power sources demonstrating rubbery plasticity and flexibility, while operating in a leakage-free electrolyte (priority for safety of the wearer), and which can be easily integrated with electronic textiles. In this research program, we are exploring electrochemistry-aided synthesis pathways to create new carbon-grafted-polymer assemblies with improved charge storage capabilities. These molecularly imprinted conjugations serve as an active component of the single-fibre (yarn) or knitted (woven) supercapacitor electrodes used as a power supply in wearable electronics. What differentiates our work from conventional synthesis is that we are employing "electro-click" tools to tune the size and morphology, and perhaps to uncover new architectures of supercapacitor materials with industrial applications. In addition, our electrochemically mediated fabrication eliminates or minimizes the problem of chemical waste disposal for unreacted compounds, which makes this process more environmentally benign. Building on our recent progress, we will create a catalogue of new energy storage materials and indicate the most suitable molecules to design supercapacitor electrodes that demonstrate improved electrochemical characteristics as compared to those already existing. Furthermore, we will prototype a flexible and deformable supercapacitor device assembled from the best performing molecular components and test them upon mechanical stress, so that they will be reported in a framework that allows for meaningful comparison and understanding relative to commercially available supercapacitors. Ultimately, these flexible power systems are expected to operate with decreased carbon emission associated with their charging. Hence, we will integrate them with wearable solar or triboelectric energy converters. Developing the off-grid powered supercapacitor is our long-term goal. Finally, this research program will facilitate training of outstanding Highly Qualified Personnel. It is our aim to involve HQP in impactful innovation, and to prepare them to be highly sought-after in Canada's growing knowledge-based economy, especially high-tech sectors.