Alok Tayi, PhD

Supramolecular chemistry uses non-covalent interactions to coax molecules into forming ordered assemblies. The construction of ordered materials with these reversible bonds has led to dramatic innovations in organic electronics, polymer science and biomaterials. Here, we review how supramolecular strategies can advance the burgeoning field of organic ferroelectricity. Ferroelectrics — materials with a spontaneous and electrically reversible polarization — are touted for use in non-volatile… Show more

Supramolecular chemistry uses non-covalent interactions to coax molecules into forming ordered assemblies. The construction of ordered materials with these reversible bonds has led to dramatic innovations in organic electronics, polymer science and biomaterials. Here, we review how supramolecular strategies can advance the burgeoning field of organic ferroelectricity. Ferroelectrics — materials with a spontaneous and electrically reversible polarization — are touted for use in non-volatile computer memories, sensors and optics. Historically, this physical phenomenon has been studied in inorganic materials, although some organic examples are known and strong interest exists to extend the search for ferroelectric molecular systems. Other undiscovered applications outside this regime could also emerge. We describe the key features necessary for molecular and supramolecular dipoles in organic ferroelectrics and their incorporation into ordered systems, such as porous frameworks and liquid crystals. The goal of this Review is to motivate the development of innovative supramolecular ferroelectrics that exceed the performance and usefulness of known systems. Show less

Soft devices can be bent, stretched, and compressed reversibly, but conventional wires are rigid. This work describes stretchable composites that are easily fabricated with simple tools and commodity materials, and that can provide a strategy for electrical wiring that meets certain needs of soft devices. These composites are made by combining metal wool and elastomeric polymers. Embedding fine (average fiber width ≈25 μm) steel wool (or other metal wools) in a silicone polymer creates an… Show more

Soft devices can be bent, stretched, and compressed reversibly, but conventional wires are rigid. This work describes stretchable composites that are easily fabricated with simple tools and commodity materials, and that can provide a strategy for electrical wiring that meets certain needs of soft devices. These composites are made by combining metal wool and elastomeric polymers. Embedding fine (average fiber width ≈25 μm) steel wool (or other metal wools) in a silicone polymer creates an electrically conductive path through the nonconductive elastomer. This composite is flexible, stretchable, compressible, inexpensive, and simple to incorporate into the bodies of soft devices. It is also electrically anisotropic, and shows maximum conductivity along the majority axis of the fibers, but maximum extension perpendicular to this axis. The utility of this composite for creating an electrically conductive path through an elastomer was demonstrated in several devices, including: a soft, solderless breadboard, a soft touch sensor, and a soft strain gauge. Show less