ASCENT: Reconfigurable Metal-Free Microsystems with Alternative Power Sources
The research is a multi-institution collaboration between NC State University, the University of Maryland and the University of Arizona.
This research project has the potential to revolutionize microelectronic technology. It proposes to demonstrate a metal-free sensing-communications node that operates from renewable energy sources and is recyclable or degradable after a designed operational lifetime. This multi-institutional collaboration between NC State, the University of Maryland and the University of Arizona aims to create a new architecture and design toolbox for Reconfigurable Metal-Free Microsystems with Alternative Power Sources (RMF-MAPS). This toolbox could allow for modular assembly, green material technologies, hybrid production processes and next-generation energy technologies. If successful, it will provide the engineering community with new research directions and technologies to move forward into the next century.
Sponsor
National Science Foundation (NSF)
The grant—running from September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2026—is for a total of $1,499,908.
Principle Investigators
Michael Daniele
Alper Yusuf Bozkurt
Koji Sode
More Details
The ultimate vision of our research is to establish a new architecture and design toolbox for Reconfigurable Metal-Free Microsystems with Alternative Power Sources (RMF-MAPS), amenable to modular assembly, green material technologies, hybrid production processes, and next-generation energy technologies. The outcomes will inform the engineering community of new research directions and technologies to disrupt conventional microelectronic technology into the next century. Specifically, we propose to demonstrate a 100% metal-free sensing-communications node, which operates from a renewable energy source and is completely degradable or recyclable after a designed operational lifetime.