Perspective on the development and application of ionic polymer metal composites: from actuators to multifunctional sensors

Abstract

Ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs) are a versatile class of ionic polymer-based transducers with excellent electromechanical properties and wide application potential in the fields of bionic robots, medical devices and wearable devices as actuators and sensors. In this perspective, we discuss the development of polymer matrices and applications of IPMCs, from actuating to multifunctional sensing. The latest ionic polymer matrixes for IPMCs show the trend toward being printable, programmable and degradable, which will facilitate multi-scenario applications of IPMCs. Regarding the applications, IPMCs have been widely used in various fields as actuators and multi-parameter sensors, and related devices will be further developed in the direction of miniaturization, integration and intelligence. Furthermore, some suggestions are put forward to facilitate the further development and wide application of IPMCs.