Reversible and efficient materials-based actuation by electrolytic phase transformation

Electrolytic phase transformation is presented as a means of inducing reversible actuation in devices operating in a wide range of applications and scales. The device exploits the enormous pressure and volume changes that accompany the electrochemical interconversion between liquid and gas phases. With this method, strains beyond 136,000 % and stresses surpassing 200 MPa can be achieved, offering a level of performance many orders of magnitude beyond that of other materials-based strategies.