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.
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.
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