Abstract: An embodiment provides an ionic polymer device comprising two extended electrode layers comprising a plurality of conductive particles, wherein the plurality of conductive particles form a concentration gradient in each of the two extended electrode layers, an ionic polymer dielectric layer between two extended electrode layers, and at least one conductive layer on outer surfaces of two extended electrode layers. Another embodiment provides an ionic polymer device comprising a polymer composite with a plurality of surface features on two opposite surfaces, and at least one conductive layer on each of said two opposite surfaces. One embodiment provides a method of making an ionic polymer device, comprising forming a partially cured polymer-metallic salt layer, reducing the metallic salt to form a plurality of metal particles, thereby forming a first extended electrode layer and a second extended electrode layer at and near opposite surfaces of the ionic polymer device.