Polyelectrolyte Composite with Tailoring of Ion Transport for Improved Mechanical Actuation
발표자
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초록
내용
As soft electronics advance, ionic electroactive polymer (i-EAP) actuators are promising for soft robotics due to their flexibility, low operating voltage, and ability to mimic natural muscle movements. However, limitations in blocking force, displacement, and bandwidth hinder practical applications. Here, we address these issues by incorporating ion transfer- accelerating particles into i-EAP actuators. We designed high strength ionic polymers with improved conductivity by introducing functionalized particles within the electrolyte. This approach reduces the binding energy between ionic liquids and hydrogen bonds with functionalized silica molecules, enhancing ion transport while maintaining mechanical integrity. Consequently, we fabricated an actuator element using SWNT electrodes, achieving a blocking force of 3.5 mN (4V, DC) and 0.9 mN (±4V, 0.1Hz). We believe our proposed methodology can guide innovative material design in soft robotics and various ionic electronics fields.