Electromagnetic Synergetic Actuators Based on Polypyrrole/Fe₃O₄ Hybrid Nanotube Arrays

Conducting polymer actuators that can undergo complex and coordinated motions are generally obtained by using complex microfabrication methods to pattern several conducting polymer components. Herein, we describe a facile approach for fabricating electromagnetic synergetic actuators based on polypyrrole/Fe₃O₄ hybrid nanotube arrays. The actuator can perform biomimetic movements like arm-hand coordination. In this case, a magnetic field is used for primary actuation like an arm, i.e., large-scale angular movement, and an electric potential is used for secondary adjustment like a hand, i.e., small-scale angular movement.