A review of electro-stimulated gels and their applications: Present state and future perspectives

This review article discusses advancement in electro-stimulated gel, recent perspectives in materials selectivity in electro-simulated gels, the gel deformation mechanism, and their applications in various advanced fields. This paper also considered the challenges associated with chemistry, drying process and mechanics of electro-responsive gels and proposed future opportunities to further advance the science and technology of these gel-based devices. More specifically this review summarized novel materials capable of producing an elevated response to low energy stimuli that are being extensively studied globally in recent years. Subsequently, the electro-response gels formulated by reinforcing selective materials such as electro-active polymers, conductive polymers, and piezoelectric materials were discussed. These gels are stimulated by application of low dosage of an electrical field to enhance their inherent mechanical and responsive attributes. This article further reviewed the theoretical understanding of simulation of some exclusive response parameters and forces to describe the deformation mechanism of electro-response materials. The major findings of the study are better understanding of the nature of gels to be used for the wearable artificial muscles, sensors, actuators, robotics, lenses, biomedical and as soft materials, their dependence on the material type, device response behaviour in the electro-stimulated field and their stability under various end use conditions. The graphic art shown below depicts the main functions of the reviewed gels, their mechanism of function depending on the applications. It is anticipated that the development of the soft electro-simulated materials is going to grow in future due to expansion of the use of artificial intelligence in devices including robotics.