Photoactuation in nafion-carbon nanotube bilayer composites
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Date of Original Version
12-1-2005
Abstract
Single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT)-nafion bilayer composites have a significant mechanical response (photoactuation) upon exposure to near infrared or visible light. The composites are formed as cantilevers of a thick nafion film (tens to hundreds of microns) coated with a thin SWNT film (one to ten microns). This configuration leads to a bending response upon light exposure. The wavelength dependence of the magnitude of the photoactuation corresponds to the absorption spectrum of semiconducting SWNTs. The thickness of each film in the bilayer affects both the magnitude of the bending and the rate of the response. The mechanism of the photoresponse is proposed to be a result of the photocarriers migrating to the interface, attracting hydrated hydrogen ions from the nafion acid groups, which then induces swelling of the nafion substrate.
Publication Title, e.g., Journal
Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume
6008
Citation/Publisher Attribution
Levitsky, Igor A., Peter T. Kanelos, Elana A. Viola, and William B. Euler. "Photoactuation in nafion-carbon nanotube bilayer composites." Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering 6008, (2005). doi: 10.1117/12.634252.