Host PI for MSCA or Postdoctoral Research

Biopolymers Functionalization for Multidisciplinary Research

Objective
This project aims to synthesize and functionalize biopolymers with 0–3D nanomaterials (ions, nanoparticles, nanotubes, quantum dots, polymers, drugs, dyes) to explore structural, optical, electrical, magnetic, mechanical, and thermal properties. Optimized composites will be employed in advanced devices including capacitors, photodetectors, OLEDs, lasers, supercapacitors, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), solar cells, neuromorphic devices, and drug-delivery systems, with long-term extensions to biopolymer-based batteries, fuel cells, and carbon capture.

Current Status
Biopolymers (DNA, silk, cellulose, chitin, peptides, etc.) offer unique properties—biodegradability, water solubility, optical transparency, large bandgap, high dielectric constant, tunable ferromagnetism, and compatibility with flexible devices. Despite advantages, practical applications remain limited to a few polymers. Expanding to broader natural polymers can overcome limitations in stability, multifunctionality, and scalability.

Proposed Research Areas

1.      Rollable Capacitors – Biopolymer–nanomaterial composites for high energy density and flexibility.

2.      Photodetectors – Broadband, flexible UV–visible detectors with nanomaterial-doped films.

3.      TENGs – High-output DNA–MoS₂/quantum dot films for energy harvesting and HMI.

4.      Supercapacitors – Biopolymer scaffolds with inorganic nanoparticles for high retention and durability.

5.      Soft-State Lasers & BioLEDs – Aligned fibers and luminescent nanomaterials for tunable, stable emission.

6.      Solar Cells – Biopolymer-based blocking layers for efficient perovskite/dye-sensitized solar cells.

7.      Drug Delivery – DNA microneedles/hydrogels for controlled transport of drugs, proteins, and vaccines.

8.      Additional Devices – Neuromorphic, memory, gas sensors, photocatalysis, and energy storage.

Methods & Work Plan

·         Materials: DNA, silk, cellulose, chitin, whey protein, gelatin, peptides, PVDF.

·         Techniques: Spin coating, drop-casting, electrospinning, freeze-drying, carbonization.

·         Characterization: SEM/TEM/AFM, XRD, PL, Raman, I–V, C–V, TGA, DSC, VSM, DMA.

·         Timeline: (1–6 mo) Synthesis & functionalization → (6–12 mo) Optimization → (12–24 mo) Device fabrication/testing → (24–36 mo) Scale-up, benchmarking, publications, patents, collaborations.

Expected Results & Impact
This research will deliver:

·         Flexible rollable capacitors, broadband photodetectors, durable supercapacitors.

·         Stable BioLEDs, tunable soft lasers, efficient perovskite solar cells.

·         Biodegradable drug-delivery platforms, energy harvesting via TENGs.

·         Pathways to biopolymer-based fuel cells, batteries, and carbon capture.

Impact: The project will establish biopolymers as sustainable foundations for next-generation optoelectronics, bioelectronics, and energy devices. Outcomes will benefit healthcare, renewable energy, and flexible electronics while training researchers in eco-friendly nanotechnology and fostering global collaborations.