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

Informazioni relative al progetto

LEAF

ID dell’accordo di sovvenzione: 101186701

DOI

10.3030/101186701

Data della firma CE 6 Novembre 2024

Data di avvio 1 Marzo 2025

Data di completamento 29 Febbraio 2028

Finanziato da

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Costo totale

€ 3 036 210,00

Contributo UE

€ 3 036 210,00

Coordinato da

POLITECNICO DI TORINO
Italy

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

Periodo di rendicontazione: 2025-03-01 al 2026-02-28

Sintesi del contesto e degli obiettivi generali del progetto

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.

Lavoro eseguito dall’inizio del progetto fino alla fine del periodo coperto dalla relazione e principali risultati finora ottenuti

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.

Progressi oltre lo stato dell’arte e potenziale impatto previsto (incluso l’impatto socioeconomico e le implicazioni sociali più ampie del progetto fino ad ora)

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.