Conversion of woody biomass into functional polymers towards applications in biodegradable electronics. Woody biomass is a naturally derived source of carbon-feedstocks, but the difficulty of harvesting, transporting, processing, and valorization often leads to it accumulating and becoming a catastrophic fire-risk. Leveraging novel enzyme-stabilization technology, we will develop routes to convert this woody biomass into processable material feedstocks (cellulose and lignin, as well as derivatives) which will then be processed (chemically and/or enzymatically) into functional materials toward electronics applications. Biodegradable electronic devices will be produced and demonstrated in modular and scalable distributed manufacturing systems. Leveraging a cross-disciplinary team that includes experts in woody-biomass, polymers and chemical processing, and designing sustainable products, we will provide a value-added off-take opportunity for these materials, and open novel paths to enhancing the sustainability of the critical and growing electronics industry. 

Collaborators:

Intropic Materials / Lab to Land / Liko Lab / Marvel Labs / Accenture Labs