Mixed ionic electronic conductors for improved charge transport in electrotherapeutic devices
AssigneeBattelle Memorial Institute
InventorsAmy M. Heintz, Krenar Shqau, Ramanathan Lalgudi, Katherine M Palmer
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Abstract
This invention addresses the need for efficient dry skin electrodes. Robust, flexible Mixed Ionic Electronic Conductor (MIEC) electrodes were prepared by an aqueous solution route resulting in electrically conductive networks of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and ionically conductive elastic matrix. The flexible electrode was characterized in terms of conductivity, ionic charge transfer resistance, and water uptake. The flexible electrode maintained low resistance even after multiple cycles of 50% extension and contraction.
Claims20
A method of conducting neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), comprising:
- applying an electrode onto a skin of a patient;
- and
- generating a current through the electrode to activate a muscle wherein the electrode comprises:
- alternative (a) which includes coalesced elastomer particles, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and a glycosaminoglycan, wherein the CNTs and glycosaminoglycan are disposed on the exterior of the coalesced elastomer particles;
- or
- alternative (b) which includes elastomer, CNTs, and a glycosaminoglycan and is characterizable by a conductivity of at least 1000 mS/cm that changes by less than 10% after 5 strain cycles of extending the electrode by 50% and allowing the electrode to contract;
- or
- alternative (c) which includes coalesced polymeric particles, electrical conductor, and ionic conductor, wherein the electrical conductor and ionic conductor are disposed on the exterior of the coalesced polymeric particles.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.