Actuator device including nanoscale fiber films

A method for making an actuator capable of dry actuation comprising:

• positioning a free-standing solid polymer electrolyte at least partially between and adjacent to a first preformed nanoscale fiber film and a second preformed nanoscale fiber film;
• and
• affixing the solid polymer electrolyte to the first preformed nanoscale fiber film and to the second preformed nanoscale fiber film by heating one or more of the first preformed nanoscale fiber film, the second preformed nanoscale fiber film, and the solid polymer electrolyte to bond the first preformed nanoscale fiber film and the second preformed nanoscale fiber film to the solid polymer electrolyte,
• wherein the first preformed nanoscale fiber film, the second preformed nanoscale fiber film, or both, are made by a process comprising:
• suspending a plurality of nanoscale fibers in a liquid to form a suspension;
• and
• filtering the suspension in a controlled manner to form the nanoscale fiber film.