Papers by Author: Uno Mäeorg

Abstract: In the present work, it is shown that carbon nanotube-doped transition metal oxides are potential candidates for use as ceramic transparent electrode materials. Used carbon nanotubes (CNT-s) are synthesized by using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. Electrodes in shape of fibers are obtained via inexpensive and low temperature sol-gel method. Due to extraordinary electrical and optical properties of CNT-s and good chemical and physical stability of metal oxide ceramics, resulting composites could be an interesting subject for industry.

Abstract: Composite actuators consisting of sheets of the solid polymer electrolyte (similar to Nafion®) with Cu2+ counter-ions inserted and coated with platinum and copper metal layers (so called Ionomeric Polymer-Metal Composites; IPMC-s) have been synthesized and their electromechanical performance upon actuation has been monitored. Resistivity measurements on the electrodes show that the electrical conductivity of the membranes metal surface increases on the cathode side during the actuation process, contradictory to the situation when Cu is absent from the metal coating. This phenomenon is explained by the subsequent reduction of Cu2+ ions on the cathode upon actuation; Cu layer growth in this side prevents it from cracking and decreases its electrode resistance. The phenomenon opens up for longer life-times for Cu-based IPMC-s. However, additional problems with Cu layer oxidation and Cu dendrite growth on the electrodes should be considered.