Electroactive polymers (EAPs) provide an exciting method of creating next-generation smart materials. EAPs demonstrate a change in size or shape upon application of a voltage, and conversely generate a voltage upon deformation. One common manifestation of an EAP consists of an ionically conductive polymer membrane (e.g., Nafion) sandwiched between two electrodes. Typically, these electrodes consist of precious metals such as platinum or gold. Upon the application of an external electric field, these ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) demonstrate significant bending. Applications for such IPMCs include artificial muscles, flexible energy harvesting devices, lightweight dynamic sensors, and robotic controls. While IPMCs are a very promising smart material, the use of expensive rare-earth metals as electrodes is undesirable. In this work, we demonstrate the first ionic polymer composites incorporating electrospun carbon nanofibers. These devices, referred to as ionic polymer carbon composites (IPCC) utilize easy to manufacture, low-cost electrodes. The electrospun carbon nanofibers demonstrate high surface area (45-450 m<sup>2</sup>/g), porosity (96%) and electrical conductivity (0.8-6 S/cm). To create the IPCC, two carbon fiber electrodes are impregnated with Nafion and then assembled into a multi-layer composite with a melt-press. The electrospun electrodes offer several advantages compared to similar actuators. In addition to the low cost and ease-of-production of the electrodes, the nanofabrication procedure allows for control of several different electrode properties. We demonstrate actuation properties of ±1 cm under an alternating 5V amplitude square wave with a 0.2 Hz frequency. Upon manual mechanical bending, the IPCC demonstrates a piezoelectric response of 1.3 mV/mm of thickness.

Ionic polymer carbon composites as a new design for electroactive actuators and sensors

249th National Meeting (2015)

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