Molybdenum disulfide/graphene nanocomposite as electrodes for ionic artificial muscles

Abstract

Soft ionic actuators that perform fast and large response at low voltages are desirable for soft robotics. However, current actuators have poor performances due to unproper electrode materials. Here, we develop molybdenum disulfide/graphene (MoS2-rGO) nanocomposite with high capacitance from MoS2 and good conductivity from graphene. Therefore, the corresponding ionic actuators multiply performances by over 6.5 times at 0.5 V and 1 Hz, hence can be used to activate soft robotic fingers working on the delicate surfaces of smartphones. These actuation enhancement and soft finger demonstration clearly suggest the high quality of MoS2-rGO nanocomposite and strengthen potentials of ionic actuators in soft robotics.