Platinum-coated silicotungstic acid-sulfonated polyvinyl alcohol-polyaniline based hybrid ionic polymer metal composite membrane for bending actuation applications

Mohammad Luqman,Inamuddin Inamuddin,Abdullah Hamidi,Hamid Shaikh,Saeed M Al-Zahrani,Arfat Anis

doi:10.1038/s41598-022-08402-x

Abstract

An electro-stimulus-responsive bending actuator was developed by synthesizing a non-perfluorinated membrane based on silicotungstic acid (SA), sulfonated polyvinyl alcohol (SPVA), and polyaniline (PANI). The membrane was developed via solution casting method. The dry membrane SA/SPVA showed a sufficient ion-exchange potential of 1.6 meq g−1 dry film. The absorption capacity of the membrane after almost 6 h of immersion was found to be ca. 245% at 45 °C. The electroless plating with Pt metal was carried out on both sides of the membrane that delivered an excellent proton conductivity of 1.9 × 10−3 S cm−1. Moreover, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was conducted to reflect the smooth and consistent surface that can prevent water loss. The water loss capacity of the membrane was found to be ca. 33% at 6 V for 16 min. These results suggest a good actuation output of the ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) membrane once the electrical potential is applied. The electromechanical characterization displayed a maximum tip displacement of 32 mm at 3 V. A microgripping device based on multifigure IPMC membrane may be developed showing a good potential in micro-robotics.

Highlights

An electro-stimulus-responsive bending actuator was developed by synthesizing a non-perfluorinated membrane based on silicotungstic acid (SA), sulfonated polyvinyl alcohol (SPVA), and polyaniline (PANI)
Perfluorinated ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) membranes with the Nafion trade name are commonly utilized as actuators and dynamic sensors owing to their inherent advantages, including fast proton exchange capacity and in terms of chemical, thermal, and mechanical stabilities[21]
Various studies showed that the movement of ions responsible for the bending of the ionomeric membrane is achieved in the hydrated form of the ionomeric membrane

Summary

Introduction

An electro-stimulus-responsive bending actuator was developed by synthesizing a non-perfluorinated membrane based on silicotungstic acid (SA), sulfonated polyvinyl alcohol (SPVA), and polyaniline (PANI). The membrane was washed using distilled water and converted into H+ ion form using an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid. The water absorption capacity of SA/SPVA/Pt ionomeric membrane was determined at room temperature for 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 6.0, 7.5, 9.0, 15.0, and 20.0 h as discussed in literature[30].

Results

Conclusion