Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics

Research into the use of electrostrictive polymers—materials that deform under the influence of an electric field—for energy generation has been growing in intensity over the last few years. Light weight, low cost, and flexibility in both shape and mechanical deformation make them ideal for applications. This review examines the recent advances in the field, the principles, mechanisms, and advantages, as well as focuses on the future challenges in the main research.

Modifying surface structures of conducting polymer thin films is known to enhance the performance of organic electronic devices, including organic solar cells. Structured conducting polymer films are fabricated in the present work via an easy floating method. During thermal annealing, the surface structures already start to vanish at temperatures below the glass transition of the polymer and at higher temperatures mesoscopic polymer crystals are formed.

Solid polymer electrolyte membranes with good ionic conductivity and mechanical properties have potential applications in rechargeable lithium batteries and other electrochemical devices. Here, the conductivity of the poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO₁₀):LiClO₄ electrolyte is shown to be enhanced after application of an electric field and a heating–cooling cycle, due to the formation of more ordered crystalline structures. More ordered PEO helixes facilitate the migration of lithium cations, and thus, enhance the ionic conductivity.