An Electroactive Filter with Tunable Porosity Based on Glycolated Polythiophene

Johannes Gladisch ^1,2, Vasileios K Oikonomou ^1,2, Maximilian Moser ³

⁰Laboratory of Organic Electronics Department of Science and Technology Linköping University SE-60174 Norrköping Sweden.

Small Science +

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April 11, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study introduces a smart filter with tunable pore sizes, utilizing an electroactive polymer for dynamic separation. This controllable electroactive filter offers precise flow control and advanced filtration capabilities.

Area Of Science

Materials Science
Chemical Engineering
Nanotechnology

Background

Traditional filters have fixed porosity, necessitating complex multi-filter systems for purification.
Smart filters with tunable properties offer dynamic separation capabilities within a single setup.

Purpose Of The Study

To demonstrate an electroactive filter with controllable and dynamically tunable pore sizes.
To explore the potential of electroactive polymers for advanced filtration and flow control applications.

Main Methods

Fabrication of an electroactive filter using a metal mesh coated with a polythiophene polymer (p(g3T2)) featuring ethylene glycol sidechains.
Optimization of the polymer coating to achieve voltage-driven, reversible pore size modulation.
Electrochemical addressing to control pore opening and closing with defined applied potentials.

Main Results

The electroactive filter demonstrated a dynamic pore size range exceeding 95% (over 30 μm width change).
Pore widths were precisely controllable by applied potential with a resolution of 10 μm.
Approximately 90% of pores could be completely closed, with less than 1% inactive pores.
Successful demonstration of dye flow control using the electroactive filter.

Conclusions

The developed electroactive filter offers unprecedented control over porosity and flow.
This technology holds significant potential for advanced smart filtration and microfluidic applications.
The tunable nature of the filter enables dynamic separation processes in a single device.

Keywords:

actuators conjugated polymers filters porosities