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Stretchable, Transparent, Ionic Conductors

In a paper published in Science, we describe a class of devices fabricated using stretchable, transparent, ionic conductors. This work represents the first demonstration that electrical charges carried by ions, rather than electrons, can be put to meaningful use in fast-moving, high-voltage devices. These devices are highly deformable and fully transparent. They can operate at frequencies beyond 10 kHz and under voltages above 10 kV. We demonstrate transparent actuators that produce rapid and powerful movements in response to electrical stimulation. We also demonstrate a transparent loudspeaker capable of producing sound across the entire audible range. See online discussion about this work.

A membrane of transparent, insulating rubber (dielectric elastomer) is sandwiched between two layers of transparent, conductive gel (hydrogel). The electrical connection to the power source is established outside of the active region of the device, where it does not need to be transparent. The materials expand in area under electricity.