Novel Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite Employing Sulfonated Polyimide as Ion-Exchange Membrane

Novel ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMC) based on sulfonated polyimide (SPI) was firstly developed by employing a more convenient, time-saving and effective electroless plating method. Their overall structure and the distribution of metal particles in the membranes were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) attached with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). The actuation of the prepared IPMC was evaluated. The analytical results confirmed that platinum are successfully deposited on the membrane. Under DC voltage excitation, the IPMC undergo larger displacement compared with Nafion-based actuators. The larger displacement of the IPMC was considered to be the result of the higher concentration of sulfonyl groups, larger ion exchange capacity, and consequent larger volume of water moving.