Study of nanostructured conducting and self-healing films for flexible electronics application

Abstract

In this project we will explore the integration of hybrid graphene based materials, conducting polymers and self-healing materials aiming the development of conductive and self-healing interfaces. This is an interesting topic that enables the exploration of the synergy among different materials properties to obtain self-healing interfaces which can also be biocompatible, enhancing the life time of a bioimplantable device. We will use the self-assembling layer-by-layer deposition technique to grow nanostructured materials. The LbL techniques are very interesting to this project because it enables the control of the thickness of the films at a molecular level, and it allows us to exploit different properties of the different materials to create unique nanostructures with novel properties aiming multifunctional applications in flexible conductive and self-healing substrates. The main objective of this project is to work with new materials exploiting distinct molecular geometries in LbL films to provide best conductivity and self-healing properties. It is interesting to note that there are few studies relating conductivity and self-healing, so it increases the possibilities of advanced studies to develop this new area of science materials. (AU)