Electrochemical methods, devices, and structures

Abstract

The present invention provides devices and structures and methods of use thereof in electrochemical actuation. This invention provides electrochemical actuators, which are based, inter-alia, on an electric field-driven intercalation or alloying of high-modulus inorganic compounds, which can produce large and reversible volume changes, providing high actuation energy density, high actuation authority and large free strain.

1 - 215 . (canceled) 
     
     
         216 . An electrochemical actuator, comprising:
 a negative electrode;   a positive electrode; and   a species formulated to intercalate with or de-intercalate from at least one of the electrodes, wherein the intercalation or de-intercalation of said species produces a change in volume in the actuator, such that a bend or other deformation is induced in at least one of the electrodes.   
     
     
         217 . The electrochemical actuator of  claim 216 , wherein the species is selected from a group consisting of an ion, proton, alkali metal, and alkali earth metal. 
     
     
         218 . The electrochemical actuator of  claim 216 , wherein at least one of the negative electrode and the positive electrode includes lithium or a lithium-metal alloy. 
     
     
         219 . The electrochemical actuator of  claim 216 , wherein the change in volume of the actuator produces a strain of at least 1%. 
     
     
         220 . The electrochemical actuator of  claim 216 , further comprising:
 a liquid electrolyte.   
     
     
         221 . The electrochemical actuator of  claim 216 , further comprising:
 a solid electrolyte.   
     
     
         222 . The electrochemical actuator of  claim 216 , further comprising:
 a gel electrolyte.   
     
     
         223 . A method of actuation, comprising:
 applying a voltage or current to an actuator including a negative electrode, a positive electrode and an intercalating species, the applied voltage or current inducing intercalation of the species in at least one of the negative electrode and the positive electrode, whereby the intercalation induces a volumetric or dimensional change of the actuator and linear strain is produced.   
     
     
         224 . The method of  claim 223 , wherein the linear strain is at least 1%. 
     
     
         225 . The method of  claim 223 , wherein the volumetric or dimensional change induces a bend or twist in the actuator. 
     
     
         226 . The method of  claim 223 , wherein the volumetric or dimensional change produces mechanical work. 
     
     
         227 . A method of actuation, comprising:
 allowing an electrochemical actuator to discharge from an initially charged state, the electrochemical actuator including a negative electrode, a positive electrode and an intercalating species, the discharge of the electrochemical actuator inducing intercalation of the species in at least one of the negative electrode and the positive electrode, whereby the intercalation induces a volumetric or dimensional change of the actuator and linear strain is produced.   
     
     
         228 . The method of  claim 227 , wherein the linear strain is at least 1%. 
     
     
         229 . The method of  claim 227 , wherein the volumetric or dimensional change induces a bend or twist in the actuator. 
     
     
         230 . The method of  claim 227 , wherein the volumetric or dimensional change produces mechanical work.