Effect of polyelectrolyte nanocoating on the performance and durability of cellulose electro-active paper actuator

The effect of Polyelectrolyte nanocoating on a cellulose electro-active paper (EAPap) was investigated to improve the actuator performance and durability of EAPap actuators. Nanocoatings of Poly(styrenesulfonate) (PSS) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT-PSS) were carried out by immersing cationized cellulose films in to aqueous solutions of PSS and PEDOT:PSS. 2,3-epoxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride was used as cationic reactant. UV-visible spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis showed the successful build up of PSS and PEDOT:PSS nanolayers over the cationized cellulose films. Results revealed that, nanocoating not only improved the durability of the actuators but it also greatly reduced (90%) the energy consumption of the actuators. Preparation, characterization and performance test of the actuators are explained.