Actuators are devices that convert an input form of energy into mechanical motion. An common example is muscle tissue, which converts chemical energy into biological movement. In this research project, materials will be studied that convert either electrical energy or light energy into a bending motion. Such devices may have application in areas such as sensors or switches and can be adapted to the micro- or nanoscale.
The electrical actuators are made from nafion sandwiched between layers of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotube layers act as electrodes for electrical input. When current is supplied, the composite bends towards the positive electrode or can be made to oscillate if an alternating current is used. The research activities will be aimed at understanding the mechanism of this behavior so that an optimal structure can be devised and tested. In contrast, the light driven actuator is composed of only two layers: nafion and carbon nanotubes. When light is shined on this bilayer, the composite bends toward the nafion layer, independent of the orientation of the light source. Such a mode of action is unprecedented. The research will be designed to begin to understand the underlying source for this physical behavior.
