We have developed a new type of smart robotic gripper and actuator based on the cable driven mechanism and triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) sensors, targeting at applications in packaging automation and agriculture harvesting. This research will be published in Advanced Materials Technologies  soon! 

We have proposed a modified continuum theory and finite element framework for magneto-actuated large deformation and instability of magneto-active elastomers, which is published in International Journal of Applied Mechanics!

We have developed a new type of wave energy harvester, hierarchically structured triboelectric nanogenerator (HS-TENG), based on the triboelectric effect, targeting to harvest the huge blue energy for large-scale deployments. This research is published in Nano Energy ! 

Stretchable supercapacitors based on crumpled CNT-forests are fabricated by harnessing the
mechanical instability of vertically aligned CNT arrays transferred on an elastomer substrate, offering a
new opportunity for next‐generation self-powered stretchable electronics.

We have theoretically and numerically investigated the phase transition and optimal actuation of bilayer structures under biaxial active strains. 

We have demonstrated one way of fabricating a 3-D dome-shaped structure based entirely on the principle of self-organization via bacteria. Identical arrays of domes were grown on two substrate surfaces, and then sandwiched together to form hybrid organic-inorganic pressure sensors.

This study reports hysteresis-free carbon nanotube thin-film transistor (CNT-TFTs) fabricated entirely using an aerosol jet printing technique; this includes the printing of all layers: semiconducting CNTs, metallic electrodes, and insulating gate dielectrics. 

The device, which is analogous to a 4-bit flash drive, is the first fully-printed digital memory that would be suitable for practical use in simple electronics such as environmental sensors or RFID tags. And because it is jet-printed at relatively low temperatures, it could be used to build programmable electronic devices on bendable materials like paper, plastic or fabric.

Our paper "Harnessing Localized Ridges for High-Aspect-Ratio Hierarchical Patterns with Dynamic Tunability and Multifunctionality" has been selected as Cover of Advanced Materials, and featured at Duke Research.