Electrically Fueled Active Supramolecular Materials

Brief Description

Invention of a new platform for creating active supramolecular materials using electrical energy as the fuel.

Applications

Creation of life-like dynamic materials

Potential application in bioelectronics devices

Development of efficient energy-source for supramolecular materials

Advantages

Fast assembly/disassembly (seconds to minutes)

Directional assembly

High dynamics and precise spatiotemporal control

Problems Solved:

• Lack of an energy-effective method for creating active supramolecular materials
• Inefficiency and imprecision in the assembly of supramolecular materials

Full Description

This invention pertains to the use of electrically fueled dissipative assembly as a new platform for creating active supramolecular materials. By applying an electrical current to a solution containing redox-sensitive building blocks, an electrochemical oxidation fuels self-assembly of active materials. The approach provides an opportunity to fast integrate active materials into electronic devices for bioelectronics applications.

Patent Status

Additional Patent Pending