Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Kyungyeol Song

Yet-Ming Chiang

Steven R Hall

Timothy E Chin

Urs Rhyner

Dimitrios Sapnaras

Yukinori Koyama

Fernando Tubilla

Fernando Tubilla Kuri

Georg Baetz

E Timothy Chin

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.

Electrochemical methods, devices, and structures

The present invention generally provides devices and methods involving electrochemical actuation. The devices may comprise at least one component capable of exhibiting a volumetric or dimensional change upon application of a voltage. In some cases, the volumetric or dimensional change may produce mechanical work. Some embodiments of the invention may provide devices capable of exhibiting high actuation rates and supporting high amounts of stress (e.g., in tensile and/or compressive loading). In some embodiments, the present invention may provide morphing structures that may be useful in applications such as airfoils.

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Seoul, South Korea

Kyungyeol Song