66 research outputs found
Ionic liquids at electrified interfaces
Until recently, âroom-temperatureâ (<100â150 °C) liquid-state electrochemistry was mostly electrochemistry of diluted electrolytes(1)â(4) where dissolved salt ions were surrounded by a considerable amount of solvent molecules. Highly concentrated liquid electrolytes were mostly considered in the narrow (albeit important) niche of high-temperature electrochemistry of molten inorganic salts(5-9) and in the even narrower niche of âfirst-generationâ room temperature ionic liquids, RTILs (such as chloro-aluminates and alkylammonium nitrates).(10-14) The situation has changed dramatically in the 2000s after the discovery of new moisture- and temperature-stable RTILs.(15, 16) These days, the âlater generationâ RTILs attracted wide attention within the electrochemical community.(17-31) Indeed, RTILs, as a class of compounds, possess a unique combination of properties (high charge density, electrochemical stability, low/negligible volatility, tunable polarity, etc.) that make them very attractive substances from fundamental and application points of view.(32-38) Most importantly, they can mix with each other in âcocktailsâ of oneâs choice to acquire the desired properties (e.g., wider temperature range of the liquid phase(39, 40)) and can serve as almost âuniversalâ solvents.(37, 41, 42) It is worth noting here one of the advantages of RTILs as compared to their high-temperature molten salt (HTMS)(43) âsister-systemsâ.(44) In RTILs the dissolved molecules are not imbedded in a harsh high temperature environment which could be destructive for many classes of fragile (organic) molecules
Morphing in nature and beyond: a review of natural and synthetic shape-changing materials and mechanisms
Shape-changing materials open an entirely new solution space for a wide range of disciplines: from architecture that responds to the environment and medical devices that unpack inside the body, to passive sensors and novel robotic actuators. While synthetic shape-changing materials are still in their infancy, studies of biological morphing materials have revealed key paradigms and features which underlie efficient natural shape-change. Here, we review some of these insights and how they have been, or may be, translated to artificial solutions. We focus on soft matter due to its prevalence in nature, compatibility with users and potential for novel design. Initially, we review examples of natural shape-changing materialsâskeletal muscle, tendons and plant tissuesâand compare with synthetic examples with similar methods of operation. Stimuli to motion are outlined in general principle, with examples of their use and potential in manufactured systems. Anisotropy is identified as a crucial element in directing shape-change to fulfil designed tasks, and some manufacturing routes to its achievement are highlighted. We conclude with potential directions for future work, including the simultaneous development of materials and manufacturing techniques and the hierarchical combination of effects at multiple length scales.</p
Performance of ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) with different surface roughening methods
Adaptive feedforward control of ionic polymer metal composites with disturbance cancellation
Study of the piezoionic effect and influence of electrolyte in conducting polymer based soft strain sensors
Radial oscillations of thin cylindrical and spherical shells: investigation of Lie point symmetries for arbitrary strain-energy functions
Characterization of Nafion nanocomposites with spheric silica, layered silicate, and amphiphilic organic molecule and their actuator application
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