High-performance dielectric elastomers with transparent electrodes for wearable and portable technologies

Dielectric elastomers offer several advantages such as low cost, high efficiency, high output, large deformations, light weight, and ease of stacking. Recently, it has become possible to lift a weight of 8 kg by more than 1 mm at a speed of 88 ms using 0.15 g of a dielectric elastomer. Additionally, transparent or nearly transparent electrodes can be fabricated using carbon nanotubes or carbon black, respectively. Through leveraging these properties, researchers are exploring applications such as transparent lenses and high-performance transparent speakers, with the ultimate aim of integrating this technology into portable devices like digital cameras, video cameras, and mobile phones. New potential applications being considered include transparent power-assist devices, wearable generators, wind power generators, and wave power generators. Transparency allows these devices to blend into their surroundings, whilst not being obtrusive to observers and the environment. In this study, we review elastomer and electrode materials aimed at improving the performance of dielectric elastomer actuators, sensors, and generators. We also discuss challenges related to transparent electrodes and propose potential solutions. Based on these results, potential applications are also discussed.