Bio-inspired high-performance artificial muscles using 3D-networked carbon nanostructures (Conference Presentation)

Abstract

Bio-inspired polymeric artificial muscles have been regarded as perfect candidates for future soft electronic devices such as human-friendly wearable electronics, and soft haptic-feedback systems. However, for more practical applications of polymeric artificial muscles, the drawbacks of the artificial muscles including response time, power generation, durability, and cost-effectiveness remain to be resolved. Here, we report a bio-inspired high-performance artificial muscles based on three-dimensional networked carbon nanostructures, which provide an electrically conductive network in the electrodes. The three-dimensional networked carbon nanostructures exhibit high specific capacitance in both aqueous and non-aqueous electrolyte, large specific surface area, and high electrical conductivity. Moreover, the bio-inspired artificial muscles were successfully demonstrated with high strain and long-term durability under low input voltages, owing to the outstanding features of three-dimensional networked carbon nanostructures. Therefore, the bio-inspired artificial muscles with 3D-networked carbon nanostructures can play key roles for next-generation soft and wearable electronics.