Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite Coated with Polyaniline Film by Electrodeposition: A Promising IPMC/PANI Junction for Applications in Robotics and Bioengineering

Abstract

Ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMC) are typical electromechanical transducing materials suitable for use as soft actuators, bioinspired artificial muscles and sensors. However, IPMC produced with platinum films has the great disadvantage of the large number of cracks and wrinkles, which reduce the performance of the electrode. Polyaniline (PANI) is a promising conductive polymer that can address this issue, especially when it is electropolymerized on the platinum surface. An IPMC/PANI actuator was developed by potentiostatic electropolymerization of PANI at 0.9 V in 0.1 M and 0.3 M aniline solution. The characterization revealed that PANI is preferentially electropolymerized in the platinum film cracks and improve the electronic conduction mechanisms, which is not reported so far. The maximum tip displacement of the IPMC/PANI under 5 V was 8.3 mm, while for the IPMC was equal 5.2 mm. These results provide a simple and effective method to repair IPMCs and enhance their electromechanical performances.

Electrochemically-driven actuators: from materials to mechanisms and from performance to applications

“…This capability facilitates a straightforward and impactful method for autonomously repairing IPMCs, thereby markedly enhancing their actuation performance. 212 Based on the above discussion, it can be expected that hybrid strategies are more advantageous in improving the performance of IPMC electrodes. Jeon et al developed cost-effective, high conductivity IPMC electrodes using PEDOT:PSS, graphene, and silver nanowires (Ag NWs).…”