The rapid expansion of flexible electronics and distributed environmental sensing systems demands materials that combine high performance with minimal environmental impact. This PhD project aims to design and develop innovative sustainable, biodegradable membranes tailored for next-generation flexible electronic and sensing applications. The research will focus on bio-based polymers and naturally derived nanomaterials to engineer membranes with tunable mechanical flexibility, controlled porosity, and functional surface properties.

Advanced fabrication techniques, including solution casting, electrospinning, and green solvent processing, will be explored to create thin, robust, and conformable membranes compatible with low-temperature device integration. The project will investigate strategies to enhance electrical functionality through the incorporation of conductive biocompatible fillers while preserving biodegradability and environmental safety. Comprehensive characterization will evaluate mechanical strength, thermal stability, permeability, electrical performance, and degradation behavior under realistic environmental conditions.

By integrating materials science, sustainable chemistry, and device engineering, this research seeks to bridge the gap between eco-friendly materials and high-performance flexible systems. The expected outcomes include scalable membrane fabrication routes, improved lifecycle sustainability, and demonstrator prototypes for environmental monitoring. Ultimately, the project aims to contribute to circular electronics and reduce the ecological footprint of emerging sensing technologies.