One-volt-driven superfast polymer actuators based on single-ion conductors

Onnuri Kim, Hoon Kim, U. Hyeok Choi and Moon Jeong Park ()
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Onnuri Kim: Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
Hoon Kim: Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
U. Hyeok Choi: Korea Institute of Materials Science
Moon Jeong Park: Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)

Nature Communications, 2016, vol. 7, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract The key challenges in the advancement of actuator technologies related to artificial muscles include fast-response time, low operation voltages and durability. Although several researchers have tackled these challenges over the last few decades, no breakthrough has been made. Here we describe a platform for the development of soft actuators that moves a few millimetres under 1 V in air, with a superfast response time of tens of milliseconds. An essential component of this actuator is the single-ion-conducting polymers that contain well-defined ionic domains through the introduction of zwitterions; this achieved an exceptionally high dielectric constant of 76 and a 300-fold enhancement in ionic conductivity. Moreover, the actuator demonstrated long-term durability, with negligible changes in the actuator stroke over 20,000 cycles in air. Owing to its low-power consumption (only 4 mW), we believe that this actuator could pave the way for cutting-edge biomimetic technologies in the future.

Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13576

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