A solid state actuator based on the PEDOT/NBR system: Effect of anion size of imidazolium ionic liquid

The fabrication of a dry type conducting polymer actuator is presented using nitrile rubber (NBR) as the base material for the solid polymer electrolyte. A conducting polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), was synthesized on the surface of the NBR by the chemical oxidation polymerization technique, and room temperature ionic liquids (RTIL) based on imidazolium salts, viz. 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium X [where X=BF4-, PF6-, (CF3SO2)2N-], were introduced onto the composite film. The effects of the anion size of the ionic liquids on the displacement of the actuator were investigated. The displacement increased with increasing anion-size of the ionic liquids. The cyclic voltammetric responses and the redox switching dynamics of the actuators were studied in different ionic liquids.