Design of Bio-Derived Thermoelectric Gels

Wearable electronic systems require conducting materials that tolerate or even take advantage of the presence of biological electrolytes. This project will design and synthesize multi-functionalized electroactive polymer gels that are ion and electron conductors. These polymer gels will be based both on synthetic conducting polymers on biological pigments, such as melanin, that can conduct electrical current. The thermoelectric properties of these mixed conductors will be studied to understand their potential for energy harvesting and sensing.