Actuation Behavior of a Carbon Nanotube/NafionTM IPMC Actuator Containing an Ionic Liquid

A 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoroacetate ([EtMeIM][TA]) ionic liquid was investigated as an inner solvent for ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) actuators reinforced with multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The ionic liquid has a higher ion conductivity, a lower viscosity, and a wide electrochemical window compared to most organic solvents. The surface of the MWCNT was modified with an acid mixture to facilitate its homogeneous dispersion in a nanocomposite. The ion conductivity of the IPMC increased with the MWCNT loading. In a dry actuation, the sustainability of deformation under a DC potential and the durability of the IPMCs containing an ionic liquid were significantly improved compared to conventional IPMCs with water. In particular, the MWCNT nanocomposite IPMC displayed a larger displacement under a high frequency.d +" KCI Citation Count: 12