SeLf-powered self-rEshaping Autarkic skin For wireless motes - LEAF

Informations projet

LEAF

N° de convention de subvention: 101186701

DOI

10.3030/101186701

Date de signature de la CE 6 Novembre 2024

Date de début 1 Mars 2025

Date de fin 29 Février 2028

Financé au titre de

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Coût total

€ 3 036 210,00

Contribution de l’UE

€ 3 036 210,00

Coordonné par

POLITECNICO DI TORINO
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - LEAF (SeLf-powered self-rEshaping Autarkic skin For wireless motes - LEAF)

Période du rapport: 2025-03-01 au 2026-02-28

Résumé du contexte et des objectifs généraux du projet

The project aims to develop a self-powered, self-reshaping ultrathin “autarkic skin” for wireless motes (miniaturized IoT devices). These skins integrate energy harvesting, storage, and electronics into a single system. The innovation lies in combining photo-chargeable micro-supercapacitors with 3D self-reshaping materials, enabling devices to transform from flat 2D films into compact “Swiss-roll” 3D structures while maintaining functionality. This approach significantly reduces weight and material usage, achieving a high functional-to-total weight ratio (~0.95) far superior to conventional systems.
The project addresses limitations of current IoT devices, such as bulky design, dependence on batteries, and environmentally harmful production. By using printing technologies (notably High Precision Capillary Printing, HPCAP), LEAF enables high-resolution fabrication of micro-electrodes and components, improving performance and scalability.
Additional goals include advancing sustainable materials (e.g. bio-based polymers, green solvents) and developing printed environmental sensors for applications such as agriculture. These innovations aim to reduce environmental impact while enabling new use cases.
In terms of impact, LEAF targets breakthroughs in miniaturized, energy-autonomous electronics, supporting IoT expansion, reducing reliance on batteries, and promoting sustainability through recyclable and low-impact materials.

Travail effectué depuis le début du projet jusqu’à la fin de la période considérée dans le rapport et principaux résultats atteints jusqu’à présent

The key achievements of LEAF are found in both materials science and device engineering. The consortium successfully developed bi-functional doped metal oxide nanocrystals capable of simultaneous light absorption and charge storage, enhanced through core–shell engineering and photodoping strategies. In parallel, 2D materials such as MXenes and MoS2 were synthesized and integrated, enabling improved charge transport and electrochemical performance.
On the technological side, the project demonstrated the formulation of printable functional inks and their deposition using high-resolution techniques, marking progress toward scalable fabrication of micro-supercapacitors. Moreover, the first multilayer polymer systems with self-reshaping capability were realized, experimentally validating the transition from 2D thin films to 3D “Swiss-roll” architectures.
Overall, the work performed has moved LEAF from a conceptual stage to a validated experimental framework, combining advanced materials, innovative printing processes, and early device prototypes. These achievements not only support high-level scientific publications but also establish a solid foundation for future technological breakthroughs and applications in self-powered wireless systems.

Progrès au-delà de l’état des connaissances et impact potentiel prévu (y compris l’impact socio-économique et les conséquences sociétales plus larges du projet jusqu’à présent)

The LEAF project has achieved significant results, including the development of multifunctional materials for combined light harvesting and energy storage, high-resolution printable inks, and the first demonstrations of self-reshaping ultrathin devices. These advances confirm the feasibility of integrated, self-powered wireless systems with strong potential impact in sustainable electronics and IoT, reducing reliance on batteries and enabling low-impact manufacturing.
To ensure further uptake, key needs include continued research to optimize materials and device performance, system-level demonstrations, stronger industrial engagement for commercialization, and support for IPR, scaling, and regulatory alignment.