BIOGRAPHY

Dr Shuhua Peng is a Senior Lecturer and Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellow in the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney Australia. He was an ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) receipt for 2019-2022. He worked as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University and the University of Melbourne respectively from 2013 to 2016, which was supported by an Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) Fellowship. Dr Peng earned his PhD in Polymer Materials and Engineering from Deakin University, Australia, Master in Polymer Science from University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), and Bachelor from Hefei University of Technology (HFUT). His research interests span from polymer nanocomposites, strain/pressure/temperature sensors, colloidal and interface science, micro/nanofabrication, to stimuli-responsive nanomaterials.

ABSTRACT

Wearable technology is rapidly advancing in consumer electronics and biomedical applications, driven by the need for flexible, lightweight, and highly functional materials. Soft conductive nanocomposites, with their excellent electrical conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and biocompatibility, are ideal for wearable devices. This presentation highlights their design, synthesis, and use in wearable sensors and energy harvesting devices, such as strain and pressure sensors for health monitoring, temperature sensors for long-term tracking, and self-powered resistive sensors utilizing triboelectric nanogenerators. These nanocomposites offer high sensitivity and rapid response times, making them effective for real-time health monitoring and human-machine interfaces. Additionally, their energy harvesting capabilities enhance the autonomy and sustainability of wearable devices, reducing reliance on external power sources. Overall, the development of these materials represents a significant advancement in wearable technology, promising multifunctional, efficient, and reliable solutions for health monitoring, medical diagnostics, and sustainable energy.