Exfoliated WS(2)-Nafion Composite based Electromechanical Actuators

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 WS(2)-Nafion nanocomposite based electro-mechanical actuators. Highly exfoliated layers of WS(2) 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.