We are concerned with a model of ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) materials that consists of a coupled system of the Poisson and Nernst-Planck equations, discretized by means of the finite element method (FEM). We show that due to the transient character of the problem it is efficient to use adaptive algorithms that are capable of changing the mesh dynamically in time. We also show that due...

MnO2 is considered one of the most promising pseudocapactive materials for high-performance supercapacitors given its high theoretical specific capacitance, low-cost, environmental benignity, and natural abundance. However, MnO2 electrodes often suffer from poor electronic and ionic conductivities, resulting in their limited performance in power density and cycling. Here we developed a "conduct...

Cilia are used effectively in a wide variety of biological systems from fluid transport to thrust generation. Here, we present the design and implementation of artificial cilia, based on a biomimetic planar actuator using soft-smart materials. This actuator is modelled on the cilia movement of the alga Volvox, and represents the cilium as a piecewise constant-curvature robotic actuator that ena...

A thin, dense, compact and hydrogen selective ZIF-8 membrane was synthesized on a polymer/metal oxide mixed-matrix support by a secondary seeding method. The new concept of incorporating ZnO particles into the support and PDMS coating of the ZIF-8 layer is introduced to improve the preparation of ZIF-polymer composite membranes.

Frequency-dependent learning has been achieved using semiconducting polymer/electrolyte composite cells. The cells composed of polymer/electrolyte double layers realized the conventional spike-rate-dependent plasticity (SRDP) learning model. These cells responded to depression upon low-frequency stimulation and to potentiation upon high-frequency stimulation and presented long-term memory. The ...

In situ electropolymerization as a facile synthetic procedure has been used to obtain highly active compositesof ionic liquid functionalized graphene oxide(FGO)and poly ortho aminophenol (POAP). Surface and electrochemical analysis have been used for characterisation of FGO-POAP composite film. Nickel was accumulated by complex formation between Ni (II) in solution and amines sites in the polym...

In situ electropolymerization as a facile synthetic procedure has been used to obtain highly active compositesof ionic liquid functionalized graphene oxide(FGO)and poly ortho aminophenol (POAP). Surface and electrochemical analysis have been used for characterisation of FGO-POAP composite film. Nickel was accumulated by complex formation between Ni (II) in solution and amines sites in the polym...

To go beyond polyethylene oxide in lithium metal batteries, a hybrid polymer/oligomer cell design is presented, where an ester oligomer provides high ionic conductivity of 0.2 mS cm−1 at 40 °C within thicker composite cathodes with active mass loadings up to 11 mg cm−2 (LiNbO3-coated) LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2 (NMC622), while 30 µm thin scaffold-supported polymer electrolyte affords mechanical stabilit...