Exfoliated WS2-Nafion Composite based Electromechanical Actuators.
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ABSTRACT: The ability to convert electrical energy into mechanical motion is of significant interest in many energy conversion technologies. Here, we demonstrate the first liquid phase exfoliated WS2-Nafion nanocomposite based electro-mechanical actuators. Highly exfoliated layers of WS2 mixed with Nafion solution, solution cast and doped with Li+ was studied as electromechanical actuators. Resonant Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photo-electron-spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, and AC impedance spectroscopy were used to study the structure, photoluminescence, water uptake, mechanical and electromechanical actuation properties of the exfoliated nanocomposites. A 114% increase in elastic modulus (dry condition), 160% increase in proton conductivity, 300% increase in water uptake, cyclic strain amplitudes of ~0.15% for 0.1?Hz excitation frequency, tip displacements greater than nanotube-Nafion and graphene-Nafion actuators and continuous operation for more than 5?hours is observed for TMD-Nafion actuators. The mechanism behind the increase in water uptake is a result of oxygen atoms occupying the vacancies in the hydrophilic exfoliated flakes and subsequently bonding with water, not possible in Nafion composites based on carbon nanotube and graphene.
SUBMITTER: Loeian MS
PROVIDER: S-EPMC5668253 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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