A simple theory of electromechanical transduction for single-charge-carrier double-layer electroactuators is developed, in which the ion distribution and curvature are mutually coupled. The obtained expressions for the dependence of curvature and cha
rge accumulation on the applied voltage, as well as the electroactuation dynamics, are compared with literature data. The mechanical- or sensor- performance of such electroactuators appears to be determined by just three cumulative parameters, with all of their constituents measurable, permitting a scaling approach to their design.
In the recent experiments [Chmiola et al, Science 313, 1760 (2006); Largeot et al, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 130, 2730 (2008)] an anomalous increase of the capacitance with a decrease of the pore size of a carbon-based porous electric double-layer capacitor
has been observed. We explain this effect by the image forces which exponentially screen out the electrostatic interactions of ions in the interior of a pore. Packing of ions of the same sign becomes easier and is mainly limited by steric interactions. We call this state `superionic and suggest a simple model to describe it. The model reveals a possibility of a voltage-induced first-order transition between a cation(anion)-deficient phase and a cation(anion)-rich phase which manifests itself in a jump of capacitance as a function of voltage.
This paper has been withdrawn because of the requirement from the journal where the modified version of the paper is to be published.
