Functional Bio-Nano Composites for Energy Conversion and Actuation

Abstract

Humidity responsive actuators are versatile alternatives to current actuation technologies that typically require invasive external stimuli such as high temperature, voltage, or pressure. The objective of the project is to achieve high performing humidity responsive materials and resulting actuators. We propose to combine two biological materials to develop a novel high performing humidity responsive material which can be formed as sheets. We will investigate the nanoscale interactions between these biological materials, effects of processing conditions on sheet performance, scalability of the sheet fabrication, and performance of the different spore species. We plan to demonstrate the capabilities of the material with a novel energy harvester design that can harness energy from natural evaporation. The outcomes of the research will be transformational in the field of bio-nanocomposites and enable the application of humidity responsive actuators to the real life functions. APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
May 23, 2019
Source ID
N000141912200

Entities

People

  • Ozgur Sahin

Organizations

  • Office of Naval Research
  • Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
  • United States Navy

Tags

Readers

  • Nanoscale Plasmonic Nanotechnology
  • Reinforced Composite Materials
  • Robotics and Automation.