Research Projects

Energy harvesters for health monitoring devices are a promising technology due to their ultra-flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and ability to measure essential body parameters and physiological status. Piezo-tribo hybrid sensors can detect various body movements and power noninvasive sensors. Electroactive polymers, particularly Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and Poly(vinylidene fluoride trifluoroethylene) (PVDF-TrFE), play a significant role in fabricating flexible piezo-tribo hybrid biomedical devices. Various synthesis methods, such as solution casting, spin coating, and electrospinning, have been employed to obtain highly electroactive and crystalline and polar β phase PVDF polymers. Nanofiller doping, high voltage electro poling, annealing, and mechanical stretching have been used to improve electroactive properties. A unique method to increase piezoelectric properties is being used in this research project, which involves applying heat on the collector during the electrospinning process. This method increases the highly electroactive and all trans β phase of PVDF thin films. Piezoelectric thin films also harvest acoustic energy to electrical energy, which is necessary for the development of ultrasound transducers. PVDF-TrFE has lower acoustic impedance, allowing for better acoustic matching to human body tissues. PDVF nanocomposite materials are being developed for highly sensitive, large bandwidth ultrasound sensors, enabling high-resolution and live cell imaging in both ultrasound and optoacoustic domains. High-frequency, large bandwidth ultrasound transducers are essential in emerging photoacoustic imaging communities, enabling high-resolution images of human cells and newly growing blood vessels under in-vivo, noninvasive, and non-destructive conditions.