Graphene Oxide-Silver Nanowires Paper Electrodes with Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-Poly(styrenesulfonate) to Enhance the Driving Properties of Ionic Electroactive Polymer Actuators

摘要

Recently, the ionic electroactive polymers, among the electroactive polymer actuators, have received considerable attention because of their advantages such as flexibility, light weight, and high displacement under low voltage activation. However, they have limited durability under long-term driving in open air. Carbon-metal nanowires composite electrodes have advantages such as a low-cost, simple fabrication process. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is among the conductive polymers and is flexible, easily processable, and could possibly improve the durability of electrodes. In this work, we developed an actuator based on a PEDOT:PSS/graphene oxide-silver nanowires composite paper electrode. We fabricated the composite paper electrodes consisting of graphene oxide and silver nanowires through a filtration system. The PEDOT:PSS layer was deposited on top of the composite paper electrode by spin coating to improve the displacement property of the ionic electroactive polymers under long-term driving. The sheet resistance of the composite paper electrode is lower than that of the different noble metals. The actuation results show that there is the possibility of improvement in the durability and stability of ionic electroactive polymers. Our study is a useful reference for further ionic polymer metal composite actuator development and performance improvement.