Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for combined direct current and alternating current activation of electroactive polymer devices. The combined direct current and alternating current activation may increase force generation compared to activation using direct current alone. For example, a method for actuating an electroactive polymer device may include providing the electroactive polymer device. The electroactive polymer device may include a first electrode and a second electrode electrically coupled to an electroactive polymer. The method may include applying a direct current across the electroactive polymer via the first and second electrodes. The method may include applying an alternating current across the electroactive polymer. The direct current and the alternating current may be effective to cause actuation of the electroactive polymer device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for combined direct current and alternating current activation of electroactive polymer devices. The combined direct current and alternating current activation may increase force generation compared to activation using direct current alone. For example, a method for actuating an electroactive polymer device may include providing the electroactive polymer device. The electroactive polymer device may include a first electrode and a second electrode electrically coupled to an electroactive polymer. The method may include applying a direct current across the electroactive polymer via the first and second electrodes. The method may include applying an alternating current across the electroactive polymer. The direct current and the alternating current may be effective to cause actuation of the electroactive polymer device.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to components of electrochemical devices, and to methods of preparing the components. The components and methods include the use of a composition comprising an ionically conductive polymer and at least one solvent, where the polymer and the solvent are selected based on the thermodynamics of the combination. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a component for an electrochemical device which is prepared from a composition comprising a true solution of an ionically conductive polymer and at least one solvent, the polymer and the at least one solvent being selected such that |? solvent?? solute|<1, where ? solvent is the Hildebrand solubility parameter of the at least one solvent and where ? solute is the Hildebrand solubility parameter of the polymer.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to components of electrochemical devices, and to methods of preparing the components. The components and methods include the use of a composition comprising an ionically conductive polymer and at least one solvent, where the polymer and the solvent are selected based on the thermodynamics of the combination. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a component for an electrochemical device which is prepared from a composition comprising a true solution of an ionically conductive polymer and at least one solvent, the polymer and the at least one solvent being selected such that |? solvent-? solute|<1, where ? solvent is the Hildebrand solubility parameter of the at least one solvent and where ? solute is the Hildebrand solubility parameter of the polymer.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to components of electrochemical devices, and to methods of preparing the components. The components and methods include the use of a composition comprising an ionically conductive polymer and at least one solvent, where the polymer and the solvent are selected based on the thermodynamics of the combination. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a component for an electrochemical device which is prepared from a composition comprising a true solution of an ionically conductive polymer and at least one solvent, the polymer and the at least one solvent being selected such that |? solvent?? solute|<1, where ? solvent is the Hildebrand solubility parameter of the at least one solvent and where ? solute is the Hildebrand solubility parameter of the polymer.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to components of electrochemical devices, and to methods of preparing the components. The components and methods include the use of a composition comprising an ionically conductive polymer and at least one solvent, where the polymer and the solvent are selected based on the thermodynamics of the combination. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a component for an electrochemical device which is prepared from a composition comprising a true solution of an ionically conductive polymer and at least one solvent, the polymer and the at least one solvent being selected such that |? solvent?? solute|<1, where ? solvent is the Hildebrand solubility parameter of the at least one solvent and where ? solute is the Hildebrand solubility parameter of the polymer.