Ionic polymer actuators through photopolymerization of liquid-crystalline itaconic acid derivatives

Abstract

In this study, a durable layered liquid-crystalline (LC) polymer film has been created through the self-assembly of a novel photopolymerizable itaconate derivative containing an ionic liquid and a poly(ethylene glycol)-based crosslinker. The LC sample is aligned using a shear force and then in situ photopolymerized. The shear-aligned layered structure exhibits enhanced ion transport and Young’s modulus. These ionic LC polymer electrolytes can be applied to soft actuators, as evidenced by the remarkably high bending strain and force generation of the layered actuator, despite its low ionic liquid content. This study opens up new possibilities for electromechanical energy conversion in next-generation haptics.