In order to obtain the optimum design for the realization of a high perform
ance gel actuator, the ion distribution profiles in the gel are obtained th
eoretically by solving the Poisson-Bolzmann equation. Regardless of the typ
es of ions (mobile cation, immobile cation, mobile anion and immobile anion
), ion concentration is found to change abruptly at the electrode-gel inter
face. Based on this result. we found that gel could be deformed only in thi
s interface region. Then we concluded that: (i) the use of an amphoteric ge
l rather than a cationic or an anionic gel; (ii) applying high voltage to g
el; and (iii) the import of the electrode-gel interface as many as possible
are promising strategies for the design of practical use gel actuator. (C)
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