Polymer composite actuator and generator driven by water gradients

US9236556B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology · US
• The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Mingming Ma · Beijing, CN
• Liang Guo · Beijing, CN
• Daniel Griffith Anderson · Framingham, US
• Omid C. Farokhzad · Sharon, US
• Robert S. Langer · Newton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 4, 2013
• Grant date: Jan 12, 2016
• Expiry date: Jan 3, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C08J2465/00
• WIPO field: Macromolecular chemistry, polymers
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Water-responsive composite materials are provided containing a polymeric matrix and a water-responsive gel integrated into the polymeric matrix. The water-responsive gel can include a polyol or an alkoxylated polyol crosslinked by reversibly hydrolysable bonds, such as borate ester bonds. The polymeric matrix can include conjugated polymers such as poly(pyrrole) containing polymers. The composite material is capable of rapid actuation in the presence of a water gradient and can exhibit power densities greater than 1 W/kg. Methods of making water-responsive composite materials are provided, including by electropolymerization. Devices containing water-responsive composite materials are provided for sensing, locomotion, and power generation.