Korea University of Technology and Education (KOREATECH) announced that Professor Bae Jin Woo’s research team from the Department of Energy, New Materials, and Chemical Engineering has developed a smart flooring material capable of stable power generation even when exposed to moisture.
Smart flooring is a core component of smart home technology, enabling real-time monitoring of occupant safety, security, and health.
Conventional flooring materials face limitations in practical use due to performance degradation caused by oxidation and decreased safety when exposed to humidity.
The research team successfully created a high-performance nanocomposite by combining an Ecoflex-based composite material with substances used in electrical conversion devices, resulting in superior sensitivity and power generation capabilities.
The developed nanocomposite can generate high-density power while remaining largely unaffected by changes in ambient temperature and humidity.
It is also highly durable and remains functional even after repeated water-based cleaning.
Professor Bae stated that the smart flooring developed through this research is highly promising for practical application, as it can be washed and functions reliably even in humid environments. He added that it is expected to serve as a key technology for realizing smart homes.
The research was led by Research Professor Gajula Prasad (principal investigator), PhD candidates Yoon Jae Wook and Woo In Sun. It was supported by government funding and the National Research Foundation of Korea.
The results were featured as an Inside Back Cover article in the international academic journal Advanced Functional Materials.