Nanoscale Fiber Actuator with Solid Polymer Electrolyte
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nanotube and nanofiber actuators face challenges such as low mechanical strength, small force output, high driving currents, poor repeatability, and poor durability when operating in open air due to their reliance on Faradaically driven redox reactions and require complex multi-step sample preparation processes.
Innovation Solution
The development of actuators comprising nanoscale fiber films and a solid polymer electrolyte, where the electrolyte is positioned between two nanoscale fiber films, allowing for dry actuation and eliminating the need for liquid electrolytes, with the use of sulfonated tetrafluorethylene copolymers like NAFION® for enhanced conductivity and mechanical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If EAP actuators use Faradaically driven redox reactions of conductive polymers, then large deformation is achieved, but mechanical strength and durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials combining carbon nanotubes (providing mechanical strength and conductivity) with polymer matrices (enabling deformation), creating a material system that simultaneously achieves both large deformation and high mechanical strength, resolving the contradiction between these two properties
2Reliability
If EAP actuators operate in liquid electrolyte solutions, then actuation performance is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the liquid electrolyte component from the actuator system, replacing it with a solid-state polymer electrolyte integrated directly into the actuator structure. This removal of the external liquid electrolyte simplifies the device while maintaining actuation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrolyte function with the actuator structure itself by using a solid polymer electrolyte that is an integral part of the device, eliminating the need for separate liquid electrolyte reservoirs and complex assembly procedures
3Length of moving object
If EAP actuators use conductive polymers, then large deformation is achieved, but force output deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material system where carbon nanotubes provide high mechanical strength and electrical conductivity, while the polymer matrix provides deformability. The synergistic combination enables both large deformation and high force output simultaneously
4Length of moving object
If EAP actuators use conductive polymers, then large deformation is achieved, but driving current increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the actuator system by using carbon nanotubes, which have superior electrical conductivity compared to conventional conductive polymers. This parameter change reduces the driving current required while maintaining the large deformation capability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
These actuators achieve high electrical conductivity, large surface area, and exceptional mechanical properties, enabling efficient dry actuation with improved strain and force generation, suitable for applications in morphing structures and electronic systems, while simplifying the fabrication process.
Implementation Method 1
a solid polymer electrolyte positioned between two nanoscale fiber films
Implementation Method 2
A nanotube actuation mechanism may rely on quantum chemical expansion of a graphitic carbon lattice when an electrical charge is applied to the nanotube
Implementation Method 3
electrochemically charging and discharging carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can generate motion
Implementation Method 4
Carbon nanotube actuators have good mechanical properties, a wide potential window in electrochemical reaction, large surface areas, and superior conductivity to enhance actuation performance. The actuation mechanism of these actuators was based on quantum chemical expansion of carbon-carbon bonds due to electrochemical double layer charging and discharging of CNTs. The advantage of SWNT actuator systems is that they directly convert electrical energy to mechanical energy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for making an actuator capable of dry actuation is provided. The method includes providing a first nanoscale fiber film, providing a second nanoscale fiber film, positioning a solid polymer electrolyte at least partially between and adjacent to the first nanoscale fiber film and the second nanoscale fiber film, and then affixing the solid polymer electrolyte to the first nanoscale fiber film and the second nanoscale fiber film. The nanoscale fiber films may be buckypapers, made of carbon nanotubes. The actuator is capable of dry actuation.