Conducting polymer with actively switchable absorbency

Abstract

Structure with electrically switchable wettability. The structure includes a doped conducting polymer, a counter electrode and an electrolyte disposed between the doped conducting polymer and the counter electrode. A preferred conducting polymer is polypyrrole doped with fluorinated carbon ions. A voltage between the doped conducting polymer and the counter electrode will cause the conductive polymer to switch between hydrophobic and hydrophilic states.

1 . Structure with electrically switchable wettability comprising:
 a doped conducting polymer;   a counter electrode; and   an electrolyte disposed between the doped conducting polymer and the counter electrode.   
     
     
         2 . The structure of  claim 1  wherein the conductive polymer is polypyrrole. 
     
     
         3 . The structure of  claim 1  wherein the conductive polymer is doped with fluorinated carbon ions. 
     
     
         4 . The structure of  claim 3  wherein the fluorinated carbon ions are perfluorooctanesulfonate or nonafluorobutanesulfonate. 
     
     
         5 . The structure of  claim 1  where in the conducting polymer is doped with NaDBS. 
     
     
         6 . The structure of  claim 1  where in the counter electrode is gold foil. 
     
     
         7 . The structure of  claim 1  further including a moisture sensor to switch the wettability state. 
     
     
         8 . The structure of  claim 1  further including means for establishing a voltage between the conducting polymer and the counter electrode. 
     
     
         9 . The structure of  claim 1  wherein the electrolyte is a salt dissolved in an organic solvent further including addition of a stiffener. 
     
     
         10 . The structure of  claim 1  wherein the electrolyte is a salt dissolved in a gel. 
     
     
         11 . The structure of  claim 1  wherein the electrolyte is a salt dissolved in deionized water. 
     
     
         12 . The structure of  claim 1  wherein the electrolyte is potassium perfluorooctanesulfonate, propylene carbonate, and polymethylmethacrylate. 
     
     
         13 . The structure of the  claim 1  wherein the electrolyte is potassium perfluorooctanesulfonate in cellulose-based gel. 
     
     
         14 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the electrolyte is potassium perfluorooctanesulfonate in deionized water. 
     
     
         15 . Structure with an electrically switchable wettability gradient comprising:
 a doped conducting polymer;   a counter electrode; and   an electrolyte disposed between a portion of the doped conducting polymer and the counter electrode.   
     
     
         16 . The structure of  claim 1  incorporated into a diaper. 
     
     
         17 . The structure of  claim 1  incorporated into a feminine hygiene product. 
     
     
         18 . The structure of  claim 1  incorporated into a microfluidics system. 
     
     
         19 . The structure of  claim 1  coated upon a surface. 
     
     
         20 . The structure of  claim 1  used to control a liquid droplet contact angle to make a variable refractive power lens. 
     
     
         21 . The structure of  claim 1  used to separate oil from water. 
     
     
         22 . The structure of  claim 19  wherein the surface is a pipe, boat, submarine, or other water vehicle. 
     
     
         23 . The structure of  claim 19  wherein the surface is clothing. 
     
     
         24 . The structure of  claim 15  wherein the structure is used to move a droplet.