The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of films of conductive polymers, by the technique so-called roll-to-roll, which allows to obtain freestanding films having advantageous features such as toughness, flexibility, ability to adhere to different substrates, a submicron thickness and a very high ratio surface area/thickness; the present films are suitable for use in several technological applications, in particular for the development of biosensors, and in the production of flexible electronic components with large surface, suitable for wearable devices and also intended for contacting skin.

Microchannels in hydrogels play an essential role in enabling a smart contact lens. A wearable contact lens is disclosed herein that uses microchannels and connected chambers located in poly-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (poly(HEMA)) hydrogel that is used in a commercial contact lens with three-dimensional (3D) printed mold. The corresponding capillary flow behaviors in these microchannels were investigated. Different capillary flow regimes were observed in these microchannels, depending on the hydration level of the hydrogel material. In particular, it was found that a peristaltic pressure could reinstate flow in a dehydrated microchannel, indicating the motion of eye-blinking may help tear flow in a microchannel-containing contact lens. Colorimetric pH and electrochemical Na.sup.+ sensing capabilities were demonstrated in these microchannels. Micro-engineered contact lenses formed using poly(HEMA) hydrogel can be used for various biomedical applications such as eye-care and wearable biosensing.

Provided herein is a method for forming a composite. The method can include mixing a plurality of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and a plurality of magnetic nanoparticles in a non-polar medium. At least some of the plurality of CNTs form entangled CNTs. The method also includes attaching first ones of the plurality of magnetic nanoparticles to exposed surfaces of the entangled CNTs; disentangling the entangled CNTs to form a plurality of dispersed CNTs; and aligning the plurality of dispersed CNTs. The disentangling of the entangled CNTs to form a plurality of dispersed CNTs includes exposing the plurality of magnetic nanoparticles and the plurality of entangled CNTs to electromagnetic energy.

The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of films of conductive polymers, by the technique so-called roll-to-roll, which allows to obtain freestanding films having advantageous features such as toughness, flexibility, ability to adhere to different substrates, a submicron thickness and a very high ratio surface area/thickness; the present films are suitable for use in several technological applications, in particular for the development of biosensors, and in the production of flexible electronic components with large surface, suitable for wearable devices and also intended for contacting skin.

Provided herein is a method for forming a composite. The method can include mixing a plurality of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and a plurality of magnetic nanoparticles in a non-polar medium. At least some of the plurality of CNTs form entangled CNTs. The method also includes attaching first ones of the plurality of magnetic nanoparticles to exposed surfaces of the entangled CNTs; disentangling the entangled CNTs to form a plurality of dispersed CNTs; and aligning the plurality of dispersed CNTs. The disentangling of the entangled CNTs to form a plurality of dispersed CNTs includes exposing the plurality of magnetic nanoparticles and the plurality of entangled CNTs to electromagnetic energy.

Blend membranes based on polybenzimidazole (PBI) and polymeric ionic liquids (PILs), wherein said PBI and aliphatic PIL blend enhances H.sup.+ and OH.sup. ions conductivity, are provided. In particular, the blend membrane includes polybenzimidazole (PBI) and poly (diallyl dimethyl ammonium) trifluoromethane sulphonate with enhanced proton and hydroxyl ion conductivity.

Described herein are compositions for tunable intrinsically conducting elastomers and methods of making and using the same. The compositions include a conductive polymer, a polymer counterion, and optionally a bottlebrush block copolymer. Optionally, the compositions include a crosslinker and a photoinitiator. Also described herein are copolymer blends, elastomeric materials, and films including any one of the intrinsically conducting elastomers.