In situ three-dimensional analysis of the linear actuation of polypyrrole micro-rod actuators using optical microscopy

Polypyrrole (PPy) micro-rod actuators were electrochemically prepared into a porous polycarbonate (PC) by template synthesis. The linear actuation of the PPy micro-rod actuators at various potentials was consecutively monitored with in situ mode using an optical microscope (OM) and converted into 3-dimesional images. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and a potentiostat–galvanostat were used to confirm the actuation of PPy micro-rods during the redox process. Linear stretching actuation in the longitudinal dimension was successfully demonstrated.