Project Description
Spatial variability in soil composition leads to resource distribution inefficiencies in agriculture. This issue can be addressed by tailored soil management in heterogeneous fields. Current state-of-the-art soil sensors are typically expensive and labor-intensive to install/uninstall, thereby restricting the high-density deployment required for refined spatial resolution measurements.
Our group has previously developed cheap biodegradable soil moisture sensors that can be interrogated wirelessly through RFID communication. While these sensors function without power, their data cannot be retrieved continuously without an integrated power source. This project will focus on the development and study of biodegradable power units. The SPUR student will fabricate a functional battery utilizing additive manufacturing techniques. Towards that end, the student will be involved in the synthesis and characterization of novel biodegradable materials. The student is expected to work independently with the freedom to explore new materials or device ideas.
Special Requirements
Wet lab experience is required.
Contact
- Gregory Whiting (faculty)
- Anupam Gopalakrishnan (graduate student)