Dr. Benjamin Willner researches bio-based materials for the electronics of the future with new junior research group "BioFlexElec­tronics"

Dr. Benjamin Willner's BioFlexElectronics project was launched at the Institute of Applied Physics on 1 March 2026. The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space is funding the project for five years with 3.1 million euros. The aim is to develop bio-based high-performance materials from renewable raw materials for the electronics industry.

By setting up his own materials science research group at the IAP, organic chemist Willner is contributing his expertise in synthesis chemistry in order to develop customized high-performance materials and thus enable a circular economy for electronic waste.

The focus is on both flexible and stretchable electronic substrates based on renewable raw materials. These are intended to meet the requirements of established manufacturing processes, for example with regard to temperature and pH resistance in soldering and etching processes. At the same time, new materials are being developed to meet the requirements of future applications, for example in the areas of wearables or the Internet of Things.

From Willner's perspective, TU Dresden offers ideal conditions for this: "The IAPP enables the development, synthesis and testing of bio-based polymers for high-tech applications under one roof. Dresden is also a central location for the European electronics and microelectronics industry. In combination with the university's distinctive transfer culture, which translates research results into applications in a targeted manner, this opens up great potential for translating scientific findings into concrete technological solutions."

Contact:
Dr. Benjamin Willner
Institute of Applied Physics
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