The Structure and Performance of Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite Actuators Prepared via Electroless Plating Process Using Various Alcohols

摘要

NafionTM-based ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) actuators were fabricated using an electroless plating method. This study aims to improve the formation of Pt electrode in IPMCs employing various alcohols as media in the 1st deposition step instead of water. It was found that ethanol formed a thicker and well-dispersed Pt electrode layer, whereas methanol and n-propanol produced thinner Pt electrodes than water. Especially, IPMCs constructed in ethanol demonstrated a bending displacement comparable to conventional IPMCs processed in water without significant back relaxation attributable to a thicker and well-dispersed Pt electrode and its high capacitance. It is also interesting to note that the IPMCs prepared in n-propanol exhibited the fastest actuation response of all.