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Improving electrochemical stability and electromechanical efficiency of ipmcs: tuning ionic liquid concentration

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Abstract

In the field of soft actuators, Ionomeric Polymer Metal Composites (IPMC)-like devices are a trend, exhibiting large displacement with low applied voltage. Its working mechanism is related to solvated electrolytes migration, thus the number of counterions exchanged with the polymeric membrane plays a key role in the device’s performance. Although many kinds of inorganic and organic ions were used, there were few efforts to address a specific concentration value of electrolyte solutions. Ionic liquids (ILs) are used in IPMC to provide electrochemical stability; however, their mechanical performance is usually poor. In this study we aimed to determine a specific value of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIM]Cl) ionic liquid concentration between 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 mol L-1 that grants electrochemical stability at different relative humidities with best electromechanical efficiency. We synthesized [BMIM]Cl and characterized it through Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Cyclic Voltammetry (CV). The electrochemical behavior of Nafion®/Pt-based IPMC exchanged with IL was studied through Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), CV, and Chronoamperometry (CA). Electromechanical properties were measured through blocking force and displacement. All the IPMC tests were carried out at three distinct controlled humidities (30%, 60%, and 90%). Herein, we tuned the IL concentration in 0.3 mol L-1, delivering electrochemical stability with the best electromechanical yield regardless of the relative humidity. This result will be important when bringing electrolyte mixtures to further enhance the performance and efficiency of these devices.

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Acknowledgements

This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brasil (CAPES) - Finance Code 001. We would like to thank the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – Brasil (CAPES) for the scholarships, processes: 88887.612843/2021-00, 88887.569936/2020-00, 23038.021524/2016-88. The authors would also like to thank the CNPq and Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo – Brasil (FAPESP) (process #2018/07001-6, #2018/10843-9, #2018/09761-8 and #2020/02696-6) funding agencies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Materials Engineering, Graduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering, Federal University of Sao Carlos (UFSCar), KM235, Rod. Washington Luís (SP-310), São Carlos, SP, Brazil

    K. A. Tozzi, R. Gonçalves, R. Barbosa, M. C. Saccardo & C. H. Scuracchio

  2. Department of Industrial Engineering and International Laboratory “Ionomer Materials for Energy”, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133, Roma, Italy

    K. A. Tozzi, E. Sgreccia, R. Narducci & M. L. di Vona

  3. Université Grenoble Alpes, Université Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, Grenoble INP, LEPMI, UMR5279, 38000, Grenoble, France

    K. A. Tozzi

  4. Community University of Chapecó Region, Polytechnic School, Chapecó, SC, Brazil

    A. Zuquello

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Tozzi, K.A., Gonçalves, R., Barbosa, R. et al. Improving electrochemical stability and electromechanical efficiency of ipmcs: tuning ionic liquid concentration. J Appl Electrochem 53, 241–255 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10800-022-01776-w

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