High energy conversion efficiency conducting polymer actuators based on PEDOT:PSS/MWCNTs composite electrode

Abstract

Conducting polymer actuators have attracted enormous attention due to their capacity to be driven by low-voltage, their large deformation, and ability to work in air. However, they usually present low conversion efficiency, cycle stability and response actuation speed which severely hamper their practical application. Here, we report a high performance conducting polymer actuator based on a PEDOT:PSS/MWCNTs electrode, which displays high actuation performance, including high electromechanical conversion efficiency (1.04%), large actuation strain (0.64%), high strain rates (8.83% s⁻¹), excellent cycle stability (100 000 cycles), and good generated blocking force (1.43 mN) under 2.5 V. The key to the higher performance lies in the porous structure, high electrical conductivity (153.8 S cm⁻¹) and mechanical strength (918.3 MPa) of the PEDOT:PSS electrode coupled with carboxylic MWCNTs, which result in a great improvement of ion storage capacity in the actuator. Our studies demonstrate the important role of MWCNTs in enhancing the performances of conducting polymer actuators, which will guide the development of next generation electroactive polymer actuators.