Low-Voltage-Driven Actuators Using Photo-Cross-Linked Ionic Columnar Liquid-Crystalline Polymer Films

Liquid-crystalline molecular self-assembly has become an attractive strategy to enhance mass transport and mechanical strength. Herein we report low-voltage-driven actuators based on photo-cross-linked ionic columnar liquid-crystalline polymer films integrating ionic liquids into nanoscale 1D channels. We have unveiled the effect of nanochannels on the actuator performance. The nanostructured actuator exhibits larger deformation and generated force compared with the corresponding amorphous actuator. The concept of nanosegregation consisting of liquid and anisotropic rigid domains will open up a promising pathway for electroactive actuator design.