Nanoporous copper as an inexpensive electrochemical actuator responsive to sub-volt voltages
Qingguo Bai, Chi Zhang, Fuquan Tan, Fu‐Gen Wu, Zhonghua Zhang
Abstract
Metallic actuator materials have been comprehensively studied during the last twenty years, but the studies have been limited to noble metals to date. Here we report reversible dimensional changes in nanoporous copper made by dealloying an Al-Cu alloy. A strain amplitude of 0.11% is obtained using square wave voltammetry in 5 M NaOH, which is comparable to the values reported for a noble metal such as Pt under electrochemical conditions. The oxide formed on the ligaments is believed to stabilize the mechanical properties during the actuation process. Our findings indicate that nanoporous Cu could be a good candidate material for low-cost electrochemical actuator applications.
Topics & Concepts
NanoporousElectrochemistryCopperMaterials scienceActuatorNoble metalCyclic voltammetryAlloyMetalVoltageNanotechnologyVoltComposite materialChemical engineeringElectrodeMetallurgyChemistryElectrical engineeringEngineeringPhysical chemistryNanoporous metals and alloysAnodic Oxide Films and NanostructuresSupercapacitor Materials and Fabrication