Statics and dynamics of electroactuation with single-charge-carrier ionomers

A simple theory of electromechanical transduction for single-charge-carrier double-layer electroactuators is developed, in which the ion distribution and curvature are mutually coupled. The obtained expressions for the dependence of the curvature and charge accumulation on the applied voltage, as well as the electroactuation dynamics, are compared with literature data. The mechanical or sensor performance of such electroactuators appears to be determined by just three cumulative parameters, with all of their constituents measurable, permitting a scaling approach to their design.