Low voltage linear actuators based on carbide-derived carbon powder

Abstract

Novel linear electromechanical actuators based on nanoporous TiC-derived carbons were prepared and studied. Traditionally, thin membranes containing mobile ions are used for bending actuators. We describe a linear actuator which consists of carbon material thin film and an ionic liquid. The thin film is made from nanoporous TiC-derived carbon powder and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as a binder agent. The working mechanism of the actuators is based on the interactions between the high-surface-area carbide-derived carbon (CDC) and the ions of the electrolyte. These actuators are able to generate linear actuation of about 1% from their thickness under voltages less than 3 V. The motion starts already at 0.8V and the magnitude of actuation depends on the electrical charge stored by the device. Two different types of electrolyte were used: 1) Ionic liquid (EMITf) and 2) Tetra-alcyl-ammonium salt in propylene carbonate (PC) solution. The actuators with ionic liquid have 60% higher movement. The electromechanical parameters of the actuators were studied by using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy methods.