The global demand for flexible and wearable electronics, including bendable smartphones and real-time health-monitoring sensors, is rapidly increasing. The success of these technologies depends on advancements in material science, with graphene—a two-dimensional (2D) material—predicted to be a foundational element for devices like photodetectors, sensors, supercapacitors, and flexible electronics. However, despite its remarkable properties, graphene has several limitations, particularly when it comes to its long-term stability and practical application.
Over a four-year research period, IIT Mandi scientists observed that thin 2D materials such as WS₂ (Tungsten disulfide) suffered from oxidation and degradation, resulting in poor device performance. Moreover, traditional transfer methods used for 2D materials often caused damage, including slippage, weak adhesion, and a loss of optical or electrical properties, further hindering their potential.
In response, researchers at IIT Mandi have developed an innovative WS₂–PDMS composite fabrication technique, offering a durable and flexible material solution that could revolutionize wearable gadgets, bendable phones, and health-monitoring devices. Led by Prof Viswanath Balakrishnan, along with team members Yadu Chandran, Dr Deepa Thakur, and Anjali Sharma, the IIT Mandi research group introduced a water-mediated, non-destructive transfer method for encapsulating monolayer WS₂ (a widely studied semiconductor) within PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) layers. This new approach allows the 2D material to retain its optical and electrical properties while providing protection against degradation.
Speaking on the breakthrough, Prof Viswanath Balakrishnan, Associate Professor at the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, IIT Mandi, said, “This development marks a major step forward in flexible, wearable electronics made from 2D materials. By protecting the atomically thin WS₂ layers without compromising their unique properties, we’ve created a scalable, durable platform for the next generation of sensors, displays, and health-monitoring systems.”
This technique opens up significant opportunities for the development of a range of technologies, including wearable health-monitoring sensors, flexible displays, smartphones, solar cells, light-harvesting devices, strain sensors, memristors, optoelectronic systems, and even advanced quantum technologies like valleytronics and photon emitters.
The researchers demonstrated that encapsulating monolayer WS₂ in PDMS ensured the material’s stability for over a year, with no signs of oxidation or degradation. Additionally, the vertical stacking of WS₂-PDMS layers significantly enhanced optical absorption, increasing it by more than four times while preserving the intrinsic properties of the material. The composite also showcased remarkable flexibility and durability, surviving thousands of bending cycles without delamination and ensuring efficient strain transfer.
This development addresses a critical challenge in the use of atomically thin materials—poor stability in open air. By utilizing PDMS as a composite material, the researchers have managed to preserve the unique properties of WS₂ for long-term use, making it suitable for next-generation electronics and wearable technologies.
This innovation aligns with India’s National Quantum Mission, an initiative by the Government of India aimed at advancing the country’s position in the field of quantum technology. The mission, with a budget allocation of ₹6,000 crore, focuses on developing critical technologies such as quantum light sources, single-photon emitters, and secure communication systems—all of which require durable 2D materials.
Furthermore, the research supports the growing global need for flexible electronics, wearable healthcare devices, and energy-efficient technologies, positioning India as a key contributor to the development of these vital systems. By providing a simple yet effective solution for preserving the stability of 2D materials, this research has the potential to significantly advance the fields of wearable electronics, quantum technologies, and flexible electronics. The newly developed WS₂-PDMS composite fabrication technique could lead to the creation of more efficient, long-lasting, and practical next-generation devices, impacting industries worldwide.
IIT Mandi, one of India’s second-generation IITs, is located in Himachal Pradesh’s scenic Kamand Valley. It is one of the eight new IITs established by the Government of India and is recognized as an Institute of National Importance. Since its launch, the institute has shifted all undergraduate students to its permanent campus and has grown rapidly in academics and research.
The institute now operates from two adjoining campuses—North and South—connected by a narrow ridge and situated along the Uhl River. Since beginning operations, IIT Mandi has handled over 275 research projects worth ₹120 crore and established partnerships with 11 global and 12 Indian universities. With initiatives like PRAYAS, IIT Mandi continues to blend academic excellence with social responsibility, reaching out to young minds and encouraging them to explore the frontiers of science and innovation.
