Bio-Inspired Polymer Composite Actuator and Generator Driven by Water Gradients
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Langer_Bio-inspired.pdf
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Author(s)
Ma, Mingming
Guo, Liang
Anderson, Daniel Griffith
Langer, Robert S
Date Issued
January 2013
Journal
Science
Publisher
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Citation
Ma, M., L. Guo, D. G. Anderson, and R. Langer. “Bio-Inspired Polymer Composite Actuator and Generator Driven by Water Gradients.” Science 339, no. 6116 (January 10, 2013): 186–189.
Version
Author's final manuscript
Abstract
Here we describe the development of a water-responsive polymer film. Combining both a rigid matrix (polypyrrole) and a dynamic network (polyol-borate), strong and flexible polymer films were developed that can exchange water with the environment to induce film expansion and contraction, resulting in rapid and continuous locomotion. The film actuator can generate contractile stress up to 27 megapascals, lift objects 380 times heavier than itself, and transport cargo 10 times heavier than itself. We have assembled a generator by associating this actuator with a piezoelectric element. Driven by water gradients, this generator outputs alternating electricity at ~0.3 hertz, with a peak voltage of ~1.0 volt. The electrical energy is stored in capacitors that could power micro- and nanoelectronic devices.
MIT Department
Harvard University--MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Chemical Engineering
Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT
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Article is made available in accordance with the publisher's policy and may be subject to US copyright law. Please refer to the publisher's site for terms of use.
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DOI of Published Version
https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1230262
