IPMC actuators based on metal–Nafion™ composite films prepared by thermal decomposition of noble metal complexes

A simple and highly efficient compositing process was developed by synthesizing Pt or Pd nanoparticles embedded in polymers (Nafion™) with uniform distribution by in situ thermal decomposition of noble metal complexes. The homogenous mixtures of the metal complexes ( trans -Pt(DMSO)(NH 2 CH 2 CH 2 OH)Cl 2 or trans -Pd(DMSO)(H 2 NCH 2 CH 2 OH)Cl 2 ) and Nafion™ dispersion went through a film casting process, and the metal ions in the Nafion™ were reduced to metal nanoparticles by the annealing process. The in situ compositing method avoids the use of excess metal sources and any external reducing agent/stabilizing agents, and leads to a uniform distribution of nanoparticles in the polymer matrixes. The films were characterized using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The actuation behavior in response to an AC electric field was investigated by bending displacements and blocking force measurements.