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KEY RESEARCH AREAS

Covalent Adaptable Networks (CANs) 

Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) are cross-linked polymers bearing dynamic covalent bonds. These exchangeable bonds endow CANs not only with high mechanical and chemical stability like thermosets, but also with stimuli-activated reprocessability.

Our research activities include:

• CANs for Sustainability
  With their dynamic covalent bonds, CANs are more easily recycled compared to traditional thermosets with permanent cross-links. To further reduce environmental impact, we work on CANs and their composites from renewable resources.

• CANs for Smart Materials
  The stimuli-responsive behaviour of CANs is highly desirable for smart materials. We work on responsive and healable biomaterials, sensors and electronics.
  

Selected Publications

• Chem 2023, 9, 2771.
  
• Green Chemistry 2022, 24, 5978.
  
• , pp. 129–171. Elsevier, 2023.
  
• . Materials Today 2021, 51, 586.

Smart Sensors and Electronics

Consumer electronics is a rapidly growing market, with high demand for miniaturised and easy-to-use devices. As a result, electronic waste is a growing environmental problem worldwide. We use our capabilities in polymer design and synthesis to create durable, healable and recyclable solid-state materials for miniaturised sensors and electronics.

Our research activities include:

• Solid-State Ion-Selective Electrodes (ISEs)
  ISEs measure the activity of target ions, giving electrical output with low power requirements. All-solid-state ISEs are miniaturised sensors; more conformable, portable, and fuss-free than the traditional ISEs. We create all-solid-state ISEs and reference electrodes (REs) via simple processing techniques. These can be used for healthcare and environmental monitoring.

• Healable Solid Polymer Electrolytes
  Polymer electrolytes are polymers bearing repeating charged groups which facilitate ion transport. We work on healable solid polymer electrolytes for ISEs and energy storage to make long-lasting, repairable devices.

Selected Publications

• . Electroanalysis 2023, 35, e202200501.
  
• . Analytical Chemistry 2022, 94, 15956. 
  
• . Analytical Chemistry 2021, 93, 15543.

The Team

Team Members

PhD Students

Contact

• We work in close collaboration our partners to develop new, cutting-edge technologies. We are happy to engage and work with interested parties and students in either exploratory or applied research.