Objective
The global demand for wearable biosensors is rapidly increasing due to the growing need for remote-patient monitoring. A major challenge, however, is that these devices dependent on batteries, which require frequent replacement or recharging, raising challenges for usability, waste, and sustainability. The proposed research aims to address this limitation by developing flexible thin-film thermoelectric generators (FLEX-TEGs) capable of harvesting body heat to provide a continuous and maintenance-free power source for wearable biosensors.
Current research on flexible thermoelectrics has focused on either flexible organic materials with low thermoelectric efficiency or inorganic material which are efficient but scarce, toxic, and expensive. These limitations restrict large-scale adoption and neglect the recyclability of devices at end-of-life. To move beyond the state of the art, this project will explore copper sulfide (Cu2-xS, x = 0-1) thin films. This material is earth-abundant, non-toxic, low-cost, and recyclable, with promising thermoelectric properties at room temperature that remain largely unexplored in flexible form.
The project will fabricate p- and n-type copper sulfide thin films, integrate them into FLEX-TEGs, and assess their room-temperature power output and mechanical durability. Dr. Maryana Asaad brings strong expertise in thermoelectric materials and device fabrication, while Prof. Paolo Scardi and his team at the University of Trento provide internationally recognised expertise in energy materials and device engineering.
The outcomes will deliver new insights into the performance of sustainable thermoelectric thin films, establish design strategies for FLEX-TEGs, and demonstrate their suitability for powering biosensors. The impact will include cost reductions of up to 90% compared to the commercially used Bi2Te3-based devices, elimination of toxic elements, and advancement of greener, more sustainable healthcare technologies.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors biosensors
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Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
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Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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38122 Trento
Italy
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.