Block copolymer electrolyte for ionic electroactive artificial muscles

Abstract

Ionic artificial muscles containing a polymer electrolyte membrane sandwiched between two electrodes have received intensive attention for many applications. Realizing those applications requires these actuators to display excellent performances, which demand advances in electrodes and electrolytes. However, while electrodes have been intensively researched, polymer electrolytes have progressed slowly. Herein, we developed polystyrene-b-poly(4-styrenesulfonate) block copolymer for the actuators, poly(4-styrenesulfonate) for conducting ions and polystyrene for mechanical stability. The corresponding actuators showed improved performances (low voltage of 0.05 V, durability over 14,000 cycles, fast response of 5s), which demonstrate the quality of the polymer and the potential of the actuators for applications.