Actuation of a novel Pluronic-based hydrogel: Electromechanical response and the role of applied current

•A novel Pluronic-based hydrogel was synthesized, characterized and actuated.•A potentiometric method was used to estimate the fixed charge concentration.•The material bent toward the anode in response to electrical excitation in KCl solution.•Bending direction of the gel sample reversed twice under DC bias.•Current triggers formation of a concentration profile, causing initial bending.