Abstract
In this study, sulfonated graphene oxide (sGO) with a large enhanced sulfonation degree of 1.65 mmol g−1 was simultaneously introduced as a highly ion conduction-activating carbonaceous filler for ionic polymer–metal composite (IPMC) actuator. The nanostructured styrenic block copolymer/sGO/ionic liquid (IL) composite membrane actuators revealed much larger actuation performance than top-ranked polyelectrolyte/IL actuators ever reported so far in terms of bending strain (0.88% under 2 V dc), initial strain rate (0.312% min−1), and charge-specific displacement (276.4 mm C−1). Moreover, SSPB/sGO/IL actuators exhibited excellent actuation performance without drawbacks of conventional IPMCs, such as back-relaxation and early loss of inner solvent. In addition, via tracking the movement of the IL's anion through energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis, not only the transporting behaviour of IL but also the pumping effect with solvated ion complexes inside the actuator are confirmed for the first time.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
