Abstract: Fuel-powered actuators are described wherein actuation is a consequence of electrochemical processes, chemical processes, or combinations thereof. These fuel-powered actuators include artificial muscles and actuators in which actuation is non-mechanical. The actuators range from large actuators to microscopic and nanoscale devices.

Abstract: Fuel-powered actuators are described wherein actuation is a consequence of electrochemical processes, chemical processes, or combinations thereof. These fuel-powered actuators include artificial muscles and actuators in which actuation is non-mechanical. The actuators range from large actuators to microscopic and nanoscale devices.

Abstract: A process of making conductive polymeric fibers by electrospinning fibers from a blend of polymers dissolved in an organic solvent includes generating a high voltage electric field between oppositely charged polymer fluid in a glass syringe (4) with a capillary tip (5) and a metallic collection screen (2) and causing a polymer jet (3) to flow to the screen (2) as solvent evaporates and collecting fibers on the screen (2).

Abstract: A process of making conductive polymeric fibers by electrospinning fibers from a blend of polymers dissolved in an organic solvent includes generating a high voltage electric field between oppositely charged polymer fluid in a glass syringe (4) with a capillary tip (5) and a metallic collection screen (2) and causing a polymer jet (3) to flow to the screen (2) as solvent evaporates and collecting fibers on the screen (2).

Abstract: A method of forming a pattern of a functional material on a substrate is disclosed. In accordance with the method, a first pattern of a first material is applied to the substrate and a second functional material is applied to the substrate and the first material. The first material, the second functional material, and the substrate interact to spontaneously form a second pattern of the second functional material on the substrate. The invention is directed to methods for spontaneous pattern formation of functional materials on substrates, and devices produced according to the methods of the invention. In particular, the methods of the invention provide a simple, inexpensive method for patterning a functional material on a substrate, with broad applicability to numerous devices.

Abstract: Oligomeric anilines (I; n=2, 4), useful in sensors for volatile organic compounds, in corrosion-resistant coatings for metals and metal alloys, and in applications which use electroactive materials, are prepared. Thus, tetraaniline in the emeraldine oxidation. state (n=1) was prepared by the ferric chloride-promoted oxidative coupling of N-phenyl-1,4-phenylenediamine HCl salt and recrystallizing the reaction mixture from PhMe, and next converted to tetraaniline in the leucoemeraldine oxidation state by treatment with hydrazine. Tetraaniline in the leucoemeraldine oxidation state was then contacted with an oxidative coupling agent (e.g., ammonium peroxydisulfate) to produce aniline oligomers I (n=2 and 4).

Abstract: The present invention generally describes novel chiral polyanilines in their doped (protonated) forms and novel methods for their chemical synthesis comprising polymerizing an aniline monomer in the presence of a chiral dopant acid, an oxidizing agent, and, optionally, a substrate, and their conversion by treatment with a base to novel chiral polyanilines in their de-doped base forms. The novel chiral polyanilines of the present invention may be used as electrodes for asymmetric synthesis, as biological sensors and as separation materials in pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract: Conducting substrate for use in display device having a conducting polymer on the surface of a rigid or flexible, flat, curved or bent substrate.

Abstract: Methods for preparing conductive polyaniline forms are provided in which the conductivity of the polyaniline form can be substantially increased by contacting the polyaniline form with a phenolic compound that acts as a secondary dopant for the polyaniline. Generally, a doped polyaniline solution is prepared in which the polyaniline is initially doped by a protonic acid and a doped polyaniline form is then prepared from this solution. The polyaniline form can then be contacted with the phenolic compound in either its vapor or liquid state, however it is preferred that the polyaniline form be maintained in either the gelatinous or solid state during the contacting step. The conductivity of the polyanine form can be raised by a factor of up to about 500-1000.

Abstract: Methods for improving the corrosion inhibition of a metal or metal alloy substrate surface are provided wherein the substrate surface is coated with a polyaniline film. The polyaniline film coating is applied by contacting the substrate surface with a solution of polyaniline. The polyaniline is dissolved in an appropriate organic solvent and the solvent is allowed to evaporate from the substrate surface yielding the polyaniline film coating.

Abstract: Laminates containing a layer of conductive polyaniline are provided for various uses such as actuator devices. The laminates are controllably deformable and can operate on an electromechanical, chemomechanical, and mechanoelectrical modes. The laminates are preferably constructed so as to have a first flexible layer of polyaniline and a second flexible layer of polyaniline surmounted thereon. The polyaniline layers are separated by an electronically insulating layer.

Abstract: High molecular weight polyanilines are provided, alone with synthetic methods therefor. The methods generally comprise mixing aniline, protonic acid, salt, and a polymerization agent at the desired reaction temperature. The presence or the salt increases the molecular weight of the polyaniline produced. The reaction temperature is preferably maintained at lower temperatures to also increase the molecular weight of the polyaniline.

Abstract: Substantially amorphous, high molecular weight polyaniline which is processable into shaped articles such as fibers is disclosed. Polyaniline base made by standard procedures is subjected to extraction to remove impurities and lower molecular weight fractions. The resulting high molecular weight base, which is partially crystalline and insoluble in NMP and concentrated H.sub.2 SO.sub.4, is converted to an amorphous material soluble in NMP and concentrated H.sub.2 SO.sub.4, by a two step process involving conversion to a salt, and reconversion to a base. Fibers prepared from the high molecular weight material exhibit conductivities in the range of about 50 to 100 S/cm.

Abstract: Methods for preparing conductive polyaniline forms are provided in which the conductivity of the polyaniline form can be substantially increased by contacting the polyaniline form with a phenolic compound that acts as a secondary dopant for the polyaniline. Generally, a doped polyaniline solution is prepared in which the polyaniline is initially doped by a protonic acid and a doped polyaniline form is then prepared from this solution. The polyaniline form can then be contacted with the phenolic compound in either its vapor or liquid state, however it is preferred that the polyaniline form be maintained in either the gelatinous or solid state during the contacting step. The conductivity of the polyaniline form can be raised by a factor of up to about 500-1000.

Abstract: Substantially amorphous, high molecular weight polyaniline which is processable into shaped articles such as fibers is disclosed. Polyaniline base made by standard procedures is subjected to extraction to remove impurities and lower molecular weight fractions. The resulting high molecular weight base, which is partially crystalline and insoluble in NMP and concentrated H.sub.2 SO.sub.4, is converted to an amorphous material soluble in NMP and concentrated H.sub.2 SO.sub.4, by a two step process involving conversion to a salt, and reconversion to a base. Fibers prepared from the high molecular weight material exhibit conductivities in the range of about 50 to 100 S/cm.

Abstract: Substantially amorphous, high molecular weight polyaniline which is processable into shaped articles such as fibers is disclosed. Polyaniline base made by standard procedures is subjected to extraction to remove impurities and lower molecular weight fractions. The resulting high molecular weight base, which is partially crystalline and insoluble in NMP and concentrated H.sub.2 SO.sub.4, is converted to an amorphous material soluble in NMP and concentrated H.sub.2 SO.sub.4, by a two step process involving conversion to a salt, and reconversion to a base. Fibers prepared from the high molecular weight material exhibit conductivities in the range of about 50 to 100 S/cm.

Abstract: Substantially amorphous, high molecular weight polyaniline which is processable into shaped articles such as fibers is disclosed. Polyaniline base made by standard procedures is subjected to extraction to remove impurities and lower molecular weight fractions. The resulting high molecular weight base, which is partially crystalline and insoluble in NMP and concentrated H.sub.2 SO.sub.4, is converted to an amorphous material soluble in NMP and concentrated H.sub.2 SO.sub.4, by a two step process involving conversion to a salt, and reconversion to a base. Fibers prepared from the high molecular weight material exhibit conductivities in the range of about 50 to 100 S/cm.

Abstract: Cross-linked polymer networks derived from polyaniline and polyaniline derivatives are provided, as well as preparative methods therefor. Also provided are gels comprising cross-linked polymer and a liquid.The cross-linked polymers preferably are prepared by providing a substantially linear polymer which comprises polyaniline and/or a polyaniline derivative, admixing the linear polymer with a liquid in which the cross-linked polymer is substantially insoluble, and cross-linking the polymer through agitation.The cross-linked polymers of the invention can be employed to fabricate shaped articles which reversibly expand and contract in either an isotropic or anisotropic fashion and may find use in gas and/or liquid separations.

Abstract: Electrochemical cells including secondary batteries and fuel cells are provided employing polyanilines having improved reversibility, stability and electrochemical properties. In accordance with a preferred embodiment polyaniline is employed as a cathode active polymer in a secondary battery at a pH between about 1 and 11. In accordance with nother embodiments, fuel cells employing polyaniline are provided as are batteries wherein polyanilines are used as anodes.

Abstract: Electrochemical electrodes are provided having improved capacity and efficiency. In accordance with preferred embodiments polyaniline species wherein oxidation and hydrogenation levels are carefully controlled are formulated into such electrodes and into batteries and fuel cells.