Bioinspired Phototropic MXene‐Reinforced Soft Tubular Actuators for Omnidirectional Light‐Tracking and Adaptive Photovoltaics

Advanced Functional Materials, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 32(26)

Published: March 3, 2022

Abstract Endowing artificial advanced materials and systems with biomimetic self‐regulatory intelligence is of paramount significance for the development somatosensory soft robotics adaptive optoelectronics. Herein, a bioinspired phototropic MXene‐reinforced tubular actuator reported that exhibits omnidirectional self‐orienting ability capable quickly sensing, continuously tracking, adaptively interacting incident light in all zenithal azimuthal angles 3D space. The novelty lies three aspects: 1) new polymerizable MXene nanomonomer shows high compatibility liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) matrices can be situ photopolymerized into polymer networks, thus enhancing mechanical photoactuation properties; 2) distinct hollow radially symmetrical structure facilitates fast photoresponsiveness performance through retarding heat conduction along radial direction; 3) MXene‐LCE simultaneously integrates actuation, built‐in feedback loop, leading to light‐tracking accuracy phototropism like stem plants nature. As proof‐of‐concept demonstration, an photovoltaic system solar energy harvesting maximization illustrated. This work provide insights intelligent toward optoelectronics, robotics, beyond.

Language: Английский

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Bioinspired MXene-Based Soft Actuators Exhibiting Angle-Independent Structural Color

Nano-Micro Letters, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 15(1)

Published: Nov. 28, 2022

Abstract In nature, many living organisms exhibiting unique structural coloration and soft-bodied actuation have inspired scientists to develop advanced colored soft actuators toward biomimetic robots. However, it is challenging simultaneously biomimic the angle-independent color shape-morphing capabilities found in plum-throated cotinga flying bird. Herein, we report MXene-based with that are fabricated through controlled self-assembly of colloidal SiO 2 nanoparticles onto highly aligned MXene films followed by vacuum-assisted infiltration polyvinylidene fluoride into interstices. The resulting exhibit brilliant, color, as well ultrafast recovery speeds (a maximum curvature 0.52 mm −1 can be achieved within 1.16 s, a time ~ 0.24 s) response acetone vapor. As proof-of-concept illustrations, applied demonstrate blue gripper-like bird’s claw capture target, artificial green tendrils twine around tree branches, an multicolored butterfly flutter its wings upon cyclic exposure strategy expected offer new insights development multifunctional for somatosensory robotics next-generation intelligent machines.

Language: Английский

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Three‐Dimensional Electrochromic Soft Photonic Crystals Based on MXene‐Integrated Blue Phase Liquid Crystals for Bioinspired Visible and Infrared Camouflage

Angewandte Chemie International Edition, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 61(42)

Published: Sept. 2, 2022

Developing bioinspired camouflage materials that can adaptively change color in the visible and infrared (IR) regions is an intriguing but challenging task. Herein, we report emerging strategy for fabricating dynamic IR by controlled situ growth of novel photopolymerizable blue phase liquid crystals with cubic nanoarchitectures onto highly aligned MXene nanostructured thin films. The resulting MXene-integrated 3D soft photonic exhibit vivid structural colors reversible switching between a bright colored state dark black under low DC electric field. As illustration, proof-of-concept pixelated devices allow pixel-controllable electrochromism are demonstrated. Furthermore, free-standing electrochromic flexible film such fabricated, where thermal enabled leveraging superior electrothermal conversion mid-IR emissivity nanomaterials.

Language: Английский

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Liquid crystal-based structural color actuators

Light Science & Applications, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 11(1)

Published: Aug. 5, 2022

Abstract Animals can modify their body shape and/or color for protection, camouflage and communication. This adaptability has inspired fabrication of actuators with structural changes to endow soft robots additional functionalities. Using liquid crystal-based materials is a promising approach. In this review, we discuss the current state potential applications these in robotic devices.

Language: Английский

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Scalable functionalized liquid crystal elastomer fiber soft actuators with multi-stimulus responses and photoelectric conversion

Materials Horizons, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 10(7), P. 2587 - 2598

Published: Jan. 1, 2023

Liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) fibers exhibit large deformation and reversibility, making them an ideal candidate for soft actuators. It is still challenging to develop a scalable strategy endow fiber actuators with photoelectric functions achieve tailorable photo-electro-thermal responsiveness rapid actuation deformation. Herein, we fabricated multiresponsive actuator that consists of LCE long obtained by continuous dry spinning further coated it polydopamine (PDA)-modified MXene ink. The designed PDA@MXene-integrated used shape-deformable multi-trigger can be photo- electro-thermally actuated. proposed combines excellent photothermal long-term electrically conductive PDA@MXene shape-morphing fiber, enabling their robust mechanical flexibility, multiple fast responses (∼0.4 s), stable (∼60%). As proof-of-concept, present near-infrared light-driven artificial muscle lift 1000 times the weight intelligent circuit switch controllability (∼0.1 s). Importantly, adaptive smart window system integrates energy harvesting/conversion ingeniously constructed integration propellable curtain woven solar cells. This work provide insights into development advanced materials toward robotics, sustainable savings beyond.

Language: Английский

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Mechanochromic and ionic conductive cholesteric liquid crystal elastomers for biomechanical monitoring and human–machine interaction

Materials Horizons, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 11(1), P. 217 - 226

Published: Oct. 20, 2023

Ionic conductive cholesteric liquid crystal elastomers with dynamic color-changing and electrical sensing functions were developed through the integration of polymer ionic networks.

Language: Английский

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Additive Manufacturing of Liquid Crystal Elastomer Actuators Based on Knitting Technology

Advanced Materials, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 35(36)

Published: June 7, 2023

Liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) exhibits large and reversible deformability originating from the alignment of liquid mesogens. Additive manufacturing provides high controllability in shaping process LCE actuators. However, it still remains a challenge to customize actuators with both diverse 3D recyclability. In this study, new strategy is developed exploit knitting technique additively manufacture The obtained are fabric-structured designed geometry deformability. By accurately adjusting parameters patterns as modules, pixel-wise designed, complex deformations including bending, twisting, folding quantitatively controlled. addition, can be threaded, stitched, reknitted achieve advanced geometry, integrated multi-functions efficient This approach allows fabrication versatile potential applications smart textiles soft robots.

Language: Английский

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A Dual‐Responsive Liquid Crystal Elastomer for Multi‐Level Encryption and Transient Information Display

Angewandte Chemie International Edition, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 62(48)

Published: Oct. 11, 2023

Abstract Information security has gained increasing attention in the past decade, leading to development of advanced materials for anti‐counterfeiting, encryption and instantaneous information display. However, it remains challenging achieve high with simple procedures low‐energy stimuli. Herein, a series strain/temperature‐responsive liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are developed dual‐modal, multi‐level real‐time, rewritable transient The as‐prepared polydomain LCEs can change from an opaque state transparent under strain or temperature stimuli, transition strains temperatures highly dependent on concentration long‐chain flexible spacers. encrypted by different LCE inks be decrypted specific temperatures, protection security. Furthermore, combination phase photothermal effect multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), we achieved repeatable display using near‐infrared (NIR) light as pen writing. This study provides new insight into versatility broad applications.

Language: Английский

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Adaptive liquid crystal polymers based on dynamic bonds: From fundamentals to functionalities

Deleted Journal, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 2(1)

Published: Feb. 1, 2024

Abstract Liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) have gained tremendous attention in recent years due to their great potentials from fabrication of responsive actuators and sensors construction intelligent soft robotic light modulators. However, conventional LCPs with permanent cross‐links present tedious unmodifiable stimuli‐responsiveness. Recently, dynamic bonds capable reversibly break reform been integrated into LCP, imparting intrinsic characteristics. The LCP possesses unprecedented diverse functionalities including reprogrammability, recyclability, self‐healing ability, becoming much more adaptive surrounding environmental changes compared the counterpart. In this review, progress bond‐based is summarized. mechanism, preparation, based on noncovalent bond (DNCB) covalent (DCB) are poised be discussed, followed by introducing emergent combining both DNCB DCB. Consequently, unique will given. Finally, outlooks development presented.

Language: Английский

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Smart chiral liquid crystal elastomers: Design, properties and application

Smart Molecules, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 2(1)

Published: Feb. 29, 2024

Abstract Smart chiral liquid crystal elastomers are a class of soft photonic crystals with periodic nanostructures. There two kinds structural colors: cholesteric one‐dimensional helical nanostructure and blue‐phase three‐dimensional nanostructure. The self‐assembled can be dynamically controlled under external stimulation, the reflected color adjusted throughout visible light range. Along development innovative material systems cutting‐edge manufacturing technologies, researchers have proposed diverse strategies to design synthesize thoroughly investigated their properties potential applications. Here, we provide systematic review progress in fabrication smart elastomers, focusing on via surface‐enforced alignment, bar coating, 3D printing, anisotropic deswelling methods as well self‐assembly without additional alignment. able respond quickly stimuli wide range applications areas such adaptive optics, color‐changing camouflage, robotics, information encryption. This concludes perspective opportunities challenges for future elastomers.

Language: Английский

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