Photo-responsive layer and layer assembly

摘要

The present invention relates to a photo-responsive layer and layer assembly which can be used for controlling a flow of liquid for example in a water-purification device. The photo-responsive layer according to the invention comprises a first domain comprising a first material comprising molecules having a photo-responsive moiety, wherein the first domain of the photo-responsive layer is capable of undergoing a reversible geometrical change when said photo-responsive moiety is exposed to photo-activating illumination, such as UV-radiation. The photo-responsive layer is useful in UV controlled membranes e.g. for water purification.

主权项

1. A fluid purification device comprising a UV-radiation chamber having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, said UV-radiation chamber having a UV component to illuminate fluid in the UV-radiation chamber, and a flow control device arranged in said fluid inlet or fluid outlet, wherein said flow control device includes a photo-responsive layer, the photo-responsive layer comprising a first domain comprising a first material comprising molecules having a photo-responsive moiety, wherein said first domain of said photo-responsive layer undergoes a reversible geometrical change when said photo-responsive moiety is exposed to photo-activating illumination.