Dr. Alfonso Caraveo’s research interests are in multifunctional and responsive materials for physical sensing, actuation and micro-mechanical energy harvesting. His current work focuses on engineering the piezoelectric and electrostatic responses of ferroelectrets — lightweight, flexible materials that trap electric charges and can potentially surpass the performance of traditional piezoceramics.​

Multifunctional materials are highly useful for enhanced sensor performance given their ability to integrate multiple properties—e.g., electrical conductivity, mechanical flexibility, optical responsiveness and environmental adaptability—into a single system, enabling compact, lightweight and energy-efficient designs that improve sensitivity, selectivity and durability. Caraveo’s research aims to translate the fundamental understanding of the structure-property-processing relationship of these materials into applications in advanced sensing technologies, structural electronics and soft robotics. ​