Ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) with bimetallic Pt-Pd electrode

The characteristics of Ionic polymer metal-composites, containing bimetallic Pt-Pd electrodes which had been prepared by an electroless chemical reduction method on a polymer membrane, were investigated. Bimetallic Pt-Pd electrodes with various compositions (Pt:Pd weight ratios) were compared with those of monometallic Pt and Pd electrodes that had been prepared under similar conditions. The surface compositions of the Pt and Pd on the electrodes were compared using an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The crystal structures of the electrodes were investigated by an X-ray diffraction (XRD); surface morphologies were also compared by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) which depends on the palladium amounts. The optimal composition of the Pt and Pd affects not only surface morphology, but also the improvement of the actuation and associated relaxation phenomena of IPMCs.