Biocompatible Biopolymer Materials for Energy Harvesting and Energy Sources
Abstract
Materials solutions at the biotic/abiotic interface are needed to spur technological advances in biocompatible, environmentally integrated materials of energetic relevance. Biomaterials are an underutilized resource and provide a compelling opportunity to address these problems and redefine materials innovation for energy harvesting, storage, and actuation. The main goal of this research is to explore the fundamental limits of structure-function relations at the molecular level in biomaterials (specifically silk fibroin) and use these insights to design biomaterial composites for energy harvesting and energy sources. This leverages the ability to extract structural proteins from natural silk fibers and reform them into biologically active, shelf-stable, multifunctional technological formats of energetic relevance. The use of silk presents a unique opportunity to control structure-function relationship by independently controlling the end material structure and easily entraining function in the material itself through simple processing steps. The main, interconnected research questions will address the (1) optimization of material assembly at the nanoscale for charge transport and functional control, (2) understanding of the material interface between biomaterials, conductors, and semiconductors at these scales, and (3) light-responsive materials for energy harvesting and energy conversion into electricity and motion. We will address the interplay between material self-assembly, bulk functionality, and top- down manufacturing at the nanoscale to direct and optimize the structure-dependent charge transfer and energy harvesting properties of this new class of materials. Unraveling these interconnected themes is of fundamental importance to understand and optimize material performance and guide the design of novel approaches to energy storage/conversion and redistribution. Central to all of the research tasks is the advanced characterization and synthesis of materials at the molecular level to understand and mitigate the limiting factors to charge and mass transport, optimize bioelectronic interfaces, and preserve material durability. Outcomes will include prototypes of new classes of bioactive electronics, photonic harvesters, biomaterials based electrochemical transistors, integrated fuel cells, and biologically based reconfigurable solar cells. The studies of naturally sourced biomaterials would open a new supply source of sustainable, adaptable materials for energy capture and generation. These materials would be reconfigurable for just-in-time use-case scenarios for manned and unmanned applications, and easily disposable. Potentially, these classes of materials could be grown instead of mined, offering a new vantage point for technology applications. Biocompatible aspects of these devices can also lead to environmental or human integration, with utility for sensors in environmental monitoring and surveillance. Additional opportunity is given by the suitability for these materials to operate in the wet state and in wet environments. This material platform is aligned with the Navy~s interests in green, bio-inspired and hybrid approaches that temper over-reliance on fossil fuels and non-renewable materials, while minimizing environmental issues in disposal. The combination of natural material substrates (such as biopolymers) with abundant energy harvesting compounds would set a manufacturing paradigm that fosters the development of alternative fuels, addressing another important area of global interest within the DoD. APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 13, 2019
- Source ID
- N000141912399
Entities
People
- Fiorenzo Omenetto
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- Tufts University
- United States Navy