Bionic nanocomposite actuator based on carbon nanotube and ionic biopolymer

Abstract

Here we present a new class of active system, carbon nanotube-biopolymer composite actuators, which can easily overcome drawbacks of carbon nanotube bulky papers. In such a flexible and biocompatible composite, carbon nanotubes are only served as a highly conductive filler together with an ionic liquid in a chitosan matrix. The actuator adopts a bimorph configuration with the unform biopolymer-supported internal ionic liquid electrolyte layer sandwiched by two carbon nanotube electrode layers. Such an all-in-one combination of materials clearly shows a sizable reversible displacement in an atmosphere at low applied voltages was applied. Results of experimental investigations have shown the improvements achieved throughout the development process focusing on the voltage amplitude, frequency and moisture-determined displacement response, which shows the possibility of implementation of dry actuators in artificial muscle and micro-system products.