An Asymmetrically Surface-Modified Graphene Film Electrochemical Actuator

Abstract

It is critically important to develop actuator systems for diverse needs ranging from robots and sensors to memory chips. The advancement of mechanical actuators depends on the development of new materials and rational structure design. In this study, we have developed a novel graphene electrochemical actuator based on a rationally designed monolithic graphene film with asymmetrically modified surfaces. Hexane and O(2) plasma treatment were applied to the opposite sides of graphene film to induce the asymmetrical surface properties and hence asymmetrical electrochemical responses, responsible for actuation behaviors. The newly designed graphene actuator demonstrated here opens a new way for actuator fabrication and shows the potential of graphene film for applications in various electromechanical systems.

Plasma engineering of graphene

“…(Figure 12) By optimising the plasma power and exposure time the wettability of graphene can be improved. Xie et al 102 applied hexane and oxygen plasma on opposite sides of graphene to instigate asymmetric surface properties.…”

From Filter Paper to Functional Actuator by Poly(Ionic Liquid)‐Modified Graphene Oxide

“…For example, Dai et al have recently developed a unimorph electrochemical actuator based on a monolithic graphene film with asymmetrically modified surfaces. [24] In addition to electrical and electrochemical stimulus, a macroscopic assembly of GO and multi-walled CNT (MWCNT) bilayer paper demonstrated interesting humidity and/or temperature dependent actuation behavior. [25,26] GOs were however previously not applied in organic vapor driven actuators, because of their inertness and the gas barrier nature of GO nanosheets towards organic vapor.…”

Human‐Like Sensing and Reflexes of Graphene‐Based Films

“…As analog to graphene actuated devices, they will do the corresponding action when stimulated. The stimulating source can be categorized according to photothermal actuators,163, 164, 165, 166 water actuated devices,167, 168 and electromechanical actuator 169, 170, 171…”

“…By asymmetrically modifying the surface of monolithic graphene film, a novel graphene electrochemical actuator was successfully achieved by Dai et al171 The front and the back of the graphene film were treated by hexane and O 2 plasma respectively, and the actuation motion was induced through asymmetric electrochemical charging and discharging. Graphene–PDA bimorph actuator is also designed by using a simple yet versa tile method 169.…”