Development of ionic liquid-based electroactive polymer composites using nanotechnology

Abstract

This review is intended to provide an overview of the design and fabrication of ionic liquid-based ionic electroactive polymer (IL-iEAP) transducers for advanced applications in biological and electronic fields. The iEAP is a class of smart materials that can perform sensing or actuating functions by controlling the movement of cations and anions in the active layer. This type of material can deform under low voltage stimulation and generate electrical signals when undergoing mechanical deformation because of ion redistribution. Numerous research attention has been focused on studying the deformation mechanisms and the potential for actuation, sensing, and energy harvesting applications. Compared to the traditional water-based iEAP, the non-volatile IL-iEAP delivers a wider electrochemical window and a more stable actuation performance. In this paper, the classification of iEAP with different actuation mechanisms is first outlined, followed by introducing various preparation methods including nanotechnology for IL-iEAPs, and discussing the key factors governing their actuation performance. In addition, the advanced functions of IL-iEAP in actuating and sensing, especially self-sensing in bionics and electromechanical equipment applications, are reviewed. Finally, novel nanotechnologies used for fabricating IL-iEAPs and the prospects of their microelectromechanical system (MEMS) applications are discussed.

Electromechanical Evaluation of Ionomeric Polymer-Metal Composites Using Video Analysis

“…Ionomeric Polymer Metal Composites (IPMCs) are electroactive materials that can perform bending movements in response to an electrical stimulus and vice-versa. They are based on an ion-exchange polymeric membrane between metallic electrodes 1 and have some interesting properties, such as low density, biocompatibility, and low driven voltage (< 5.00 V) 2,3 . For this reason, they are promising materials for a wide range of applications, such as actuators, sensors, and artificial muscles 4 .…”

Sustainable Collagen Blends with Different Ionic Liquids for Resistive Touch Sensing Applications

“…6,8,9 ILs, also known as green solvents with melting temperatures below 100 °C, are entirely composed of organic cations and organic/inorganic anions with properties such as negligible vapor pressure, high ionic conductivity, nonflammability, nonvolatility, and a wide electrochemical window (between 4 and 6 V). 10−12 The applicability of ILs in a wide range of areas is intrinsically related to the simple tunability of the physical−chemical properties by varying cations and anions, 6 a high number of possible cation and anion combinations existing, 10 leading to specific functional properties, including magnetic, electrical, and optical properties, among others. 6,13,14 Thus, ILs have been combined with specific polymers like poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA), 15,16 cellulose, 16 poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), 17−21 and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), leading to a variety of functional characteristics.…”

“…In fact, ILs have gained special attention in the last decade in several fields of knowledge due to their interesting properties. ,, ILs, also known as green solvents with melting temperatures below 100 °C, are entirely composed of organic cations and organic/inorganic anions with properties such as negligible vapor pressure, high ionic conductivity, nonflammability, nonvolatility, and a wide electrochemical window (between 4 and 6 V). − The applicability of ILs in a wide range of areas is intrinsically related to the simple tunability of the physical–chemical properties by varying cations and anions, a high number of possible cation and anion combinations existing, leading to specific functional properties, including magnetic, electrical, and optical properties, among others. ,, …”

Preparation and characterization of transparent polymeric electrolyte containing ionic liquid with long alkyl chains for electroactive polymers

“…In recent years, ionic liquids (ILs), especially imidazole-type ILs, have been widely used as the ionic source in fabricating iEAPs due to their thermal and chemical stability, as well as non-volatility. 8–10 A large number of studies have reported that using ILs can effectively reduce the crystallinity and thus increase the amorphous phase and enhance the flexibility of polymers, facilitating larger deformation of the iEAPs. 11–13 Compared with other ILs, imidazolium chloride ILs at the same mass fraction provide polymers with better electrical properties and more flexibility.…”