Project Description

At the Emergent Nanomaterials Laboratory (ENL), we work at the forefront of materials research and come up with exciting applications for novel polymeric and soft materials.

We are currently working on a biodegradable material, called cyclodextrin, which is formed when glucose molecules come together to form a ring. The cavity in this ring resembles a lampshade and can hold smaller molecules within it. This material can be used to generate electricity by simply rubbing the surface. The phenomenon - similar to static electricity that exists between a balloon and your hair - is called triboelectricity. The electricity generated can be varied by choosing which molecule resides in the cavity. Such electricity generation is crucial for making self-driven gadgets. The project will expose the SPUR student to the exciting possibilities in the field of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). As part of the project the student will learn to (1) synthesize cyclodextrin networks by varying concentrations of the reagents involved, (2) fabricate thin films from cyclodextrin networks which can hold within themselves other smaller molecules and (3) measure the triboelectric potential of the TENGs.

Special Requirements

Students with interest in organic chemical synthesis (experience with the same would be welcome); GPA>3.0

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