Mechanically Tough Micellar Cubic Liquid‐Crystalline Polymer Electrolytes for Electromechanical Actuators

Abstract This study presents a novel micellar cubic ionic liquid‐crystalline polymer electrolyte, featuring an alignment‐free spherical structure with unimpeded 3D ionic pathways, aimed at enhancing the performance of an ionic electroactive polymer actuator. The development involved creating a mechanically tough and high ion‐conductive cubic polymer film through the self‐assembly of a wedge‐shaped vinyl imidazolium salt and an imidazolium ionic liquid, followed by in situ photopolymerization. The 300 µm‐thick‐trilayer films, consisting of the cubic polymer electrolyte sandwiched between poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) electrodes, exhibit remarkable capabilities. These include bearing substantial loads of 4 g with a high blocking force under a DC voltage of 2 V, achieving a high bending strain of 0.63% under a low input voltage (±2 V, 0.1 Hz), and boasting a maximum response frequency of 70 Hz. These properties position the material for potential applications in soft robots and tactile sensing devices.