Nanotube Film Electrode and an Electroactive Device Fabricated with the Nanotube Film Electrode and Methods for Making Same

Abstract

Disclosed is a single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) film electrode (FE), all-organic electroactive device systems fabricated with the SWNT-FE, and methods for making same. The SWCNT can be replaced by other types of nanotubes. The SWCNT film can be obtained by filtering SWCNT solution onto the surface of an anodized alumina membrane. A freestanding flexible SWCNT film can be collected by breaking up this brittle membrane. The conductivity of this SWCNT film can advantageously be higher than 280 S / cm. An electroactive polymer (EAP) actuator layered with the SWNT-FE shows a higher electric field-induced strain than an EAP layered with metal electrodes because the flexible SWNT-FE relieves the restraint of the displacement of the polymeric active layer as compared to the metal electrode. In addition, if thin enough, the SWNT-FE is transparent in the visible light range, thus making it suitable for use in actuators used in optical devices.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This patent application is a divisional of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 937,155, filed Nov. 8, 2007; this application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 60 / 857,531, tiled Nov. 8, 2006, and 60 / 984,027 filed Oct. 31, 2007; the contents of all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.ORIGIN OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention described herein was made by an employee of the United States Government and may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0003]This invention relates generally to electroactive polymeric devices and compliant electrodes for these devices. More specifically, the invention relates to electroactive polymeric devices utilizing highly compliant nanotube film electrodes and methods for making same.DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART[0004]A...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a new type of flexible electrode made of carbon nanotubes that have high conductivity and good thermal stability. This electrode is also flexible and can be used with polymeric active layers. Additionally, the invention provides a new all-organic electroactive device made using this flexible electrode. The invention also includes methods for preparing the electrode and device. The technical effects of this invention include improved performance and flexibility of electroactive devices.

Problems solved by technology

Thus, the actual electric field-induced strain output of these devices with metal electrodes is always smaller than what they could intrinsically provide.

However, these conducting polymers have a disadvantage of low conductivity at high temperatures because of dehydration phenomena and dedoping, and therefore are unable to be used for applications which require high thermal stability.

Images