BITS researchers unveil eco-friendly material for future wearable technologies

The research team has developed the laser-based in-situ method on lab-fabricated metal-polyimide films which is a flexible, engineered substrate that requires no toxic gases, harsh chemicals, or high temperatures.

The method is also compatible with other affordable and bendable materials like paper and fabric, expanding its utility for wearable, disposable, and on-the-go electronic applications, said department of electronics & electrical engineering and principal investigator at the MEMS, Microfluids and Nanoelectronics lab (MMNE), Sanket Goel, who supervised the research, on Thursday.

A key innovation in this work is the simultaneous integration of metal nanoparticles such as silver and gold within the polyimide results in a highly porous, conductive, and multifunctional graphene composite. The material has been successfully used to detect Vitamin C, demonstrated antibacterial activity and shows immense potential for use in fuel cells, supercapacitors, and biosensors, he said, in a press release.

“We have developed a fast, clean, and cost-efficient process that produces 1 mg of material in just five minutes, at an estimated cost of ₹0.07–₹0.13 per mg, depending on the metal used,” said research scholar Nishchitha NK.

“Creating this new material enables a future where eco-friendly fabrication methods can meet the growing demands of energy and healthcare systems,” said Dr. Goel.

The innovation aligns with global momentum around nanomaterials and flexible electronics, offering a scalable and chemical-free path to next-generation applications, he added. The team’s work has earned a granted Indian patent and has been published in the international journal Applied Surface Science.