Carrots for biodegradable electronics

Yes, our initial research results show that we could use carotenoids from carrots to produce semiconducting materials for the manufacture of electronics. This could provide a much-needed solution to the growing problem of electronic waste. Carotenoids are pigment molecules that make carrots, pumpkins and autumn leaves orange. They contain alternating double and single carbon bonds, i.e. they are conjugated, which is useful for electronic conductivity. We incorporate the carotenoids into polymers by linking several individual carotenoid units into a longer chain. In this way, we create a polymer that breaks down into substances that can be reabsorbed by the environment. Put simply, we are using carotenoids to develop materials for compostable electronic devices.