This invention relates to a
melanin derivate and process for its production. The invention further relates to the use of the product from the process disclosed herein in a multi-functional integrated energy conversion device comprising the
melanin derivate. In accordance with the single example, Hephamelanin is produced from a process wherein
melanin (from
cuttlefish) has been purified by repeat
centrifugation and washing (at least 3-10 times) and then subjected to
thermal treatment at 200-850° C. under alternative vacuum or
noble gas atmosphere conditions (and thereafter given the title Hephamelanin). The process also applies to all forms of melanin materials, including natural or synthetic alternatives. In embodiments when the source melanin is from naturally occurring sources (i.e.
cuttlefish) the
centrifugation / washing step is to remove unwanted impurities / proteins to achieve necessary purity prior to
thermal treatment at the aforesaid temperature and
atmosphere conditions. Synthetic alternative melanin sources may be used directly (such as other polydopamines), as their purity may already be satisfactory prior to
thermal treatment without the need for any
centrifugation steps. Hephamelanin also absorbs
radiation, including the entire
electromagnetic spectrum. Hephamelanin is remarkably hard and resists abrasion like a
metal or
synthetic polymer. Hephamelanin variants include starting with a synthetic or natural melanin and
doping it with
metal ions such as
bismuth,
copper, silver, etc. or other ions, which enhance its properties for various applications. The disclosure provides that Hephamelanin is as strong as metals and hard polymers, has superior abrasion resistance,
heat resistance, tensile strength, and other highly desirable physical properties. It can be used in armour or shielding. It will protect against
attack by physical agents and by
radiation. It will absorb or reflect most types of
radiation, including the entire
electromagnetic spectrum. The energy absorbed from the radiation can be transduced to
electricity. The present invention concerns an energy conversion and / or storage method and apparatus for providing
electric power by employing several physical characteristics of melanin, Hephamelanin, and composite materials as disclosed herein, including the ability of such materials to transduce energy into electrical energy. The disclosure provides a multifunctional integrated energy conversion device comprising: at least one electric
transducer comprising the Hephamelanin material as disclosed.