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Wang Y, Guan Q, Lei D, Esmaeely Neisiany R, Guo Y, Gu S, You Z. Meniscus-Climbing System Inspired 3D Printed Fully Soft Robotics with Highly Flexible Three-Dimensional Locomotion at the Liquid-Air Interface. ACS NANO 2022; 16:19393-19402. [PMID: 36367434 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c09066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Soft robotics locomotion at the liquid-air interface has become more and more important for an intelligent society. However, existing locomotion of soft robotics is limited to two dimensions. It remains a formidable challenge to realize three-dimensional locomotion (X, Y, and Z axes) at the liquid-air two-phase interface due to the unbalanced mechanical environment. Inspired by meniscus-climbing beetle larva Pyrrhalta, the mechanism of a three-phase (liquid-solid-air) contact line is here proposed to address the aforementioned challenge. A corresponding 3D printed fully soft robotics (named larvobot) based on photoresponsive liquid crystal elastomer/carbon nanotubes composites endowed repeatable programmable deformation and high degree-of-freedom locomotion. Three-dimensional locomotion at the liquid-air interface including twisting and rolling-up has been developed. The equation of motion is established by analyzing the mechanics along the solid-water surface of the larvobot. Meanwhile, ANSYS is used to calculate the stress distribution, which coincides with the speculation. Moreover, soft robotics is remotely driven by light in a precise spatiotemporal control, which provides a great advantage for applications. As an example, we demonstrate the controllable locomotion of the soft robotics inside closed tubes, which could be used for drug delivery and intelligent transportation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Functional Materials, Donghua University, Research Base of Textile Materials for Flexible Electronics and Biomedical Applications (China Textile Engineering Society), Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai201620, P. R. China
| | - Qingbao Guan
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Functional Materials, Donghua University, Research Base of Textile Materials for Flexible Electronics and Biomedical Applications (China Textile Engineering Society), Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai201620, P. R. China
| | - Dong Lei
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200011, P. R. China
| | - Rasoul Esmaeely Neisiany
- Department of Materials and Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar9617976487, Iran
| | - Yue Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Functional Materials, Donghua University, Research Base of Textile Materials for Flexible Electronics and Biomedical Applications (China Textile Engineering Society), Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai201620, P. R. China
| | - Shijia Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Functional Materials, Donghua University, Research Base of Textile Materials for Flexible Electronics and Biomedical Applications (China Textile Engineering Society), Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai201620, P. R. China
| | - Zhengwei You
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Functional Materials, Donghua University, Research Base of Textile Materials for Flexible Electronics and Biomedical Applications (China Textile Engineering Society), Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai201620, P. R. China
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102
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Nakamura S, Yamanaka M, Oishi Y, Narita T. Light-driven autonomous swing of multi-layered hydrogel. RSC Adv 2022; 12:33612-33616. [PMID: 36505673 PMCID: PMC9682406 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra05722k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Light-driven self-oscillators without electronic circuits or conventional heat engines are carbon-emission-free systems and hold promise for developing autonomous transmission pumps and self-swimming micromotors. Thermosensitive hydrogels as self-oscillators can be used in the exploitation of low-temperature heat sources and in medical applications since the driving temperature is close to body temperature. Here, the autonomous swinging of the hydrogel was achieved by irradiating a constant light beam onto a head laminated with two thermosensitive hydrogels with different transition temperatures. Hysteresis resulting from the transition point difference between the two hydrogels allowed the light-driven self-oscillation without self-shadowing from the irradiation. The proposed theoretical model and numerical simulations explain this light-driven continuous swing, and the results agree qualitatively well with the experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Nakamura
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Chemistry, Saga University 1 Honjo Saga 840-8502 Japan +81 952-28-8805 +81 952-28-8805
| | - Momoka Yamanaka
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Chemistry, Saga University 1 Honjo Saga 840-8502 Japan +81 952-28-8805 +81 952-28-8805
| | - Yushi Oishi
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Chemistry, Saga University 1 Honjo Saga 840-8502 Japan +81 952-28-8805 +81 952-28-8805
| | - Takayuki Narita
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Chemistry, Saga University 1 Honjo Saga 840-8502 Japan +81 952-28-8805 +81 952-28-8805
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103
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Zhu F, Du C, Dai Y, Li K. Thermally Driven Continuous Rolling of a Thick-Walled Cylindrical Rod. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:2035. [PMID: 36422464 PMCID: PMC9698442 DOI: 10.3390/mi13112035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Self-sustained motion can take advantage of direct energy extraction from a steady external environment to maintain its own motion, and has potential applications in energy harvesting, robotic motion, and transportation. Recent experiments have found that a thermally responsive rod can perform self-sustained rolling on a flat hot plate with an angular velocity determined by the competition between the thermal driving moment and the friction moment. A rod with a hollow cross section tends to greatly reduce the frictional resistance, while promising improvements in thermal conversion efficiency. In this paper, through deriving the equilibrium equations for steady-state self-sustained rolling of the thick-walled cylindrical rod, estimating the temperature field on the rod cross-section, and solving the analytical solution of the thermally induced driving moment, the dynamic behavior of the thermally driven self-sustained rolling of the thick-walled cylindrical rod is theoretically investigated. In addition, we investigate in detail the effects of radius ratio, heat transfer coefficient, heat flux, contact angle, thermal expansion coefficient, and sliding friction coefficient on the angular velocity of the self-sustained rolling of the thick-walled cylindrical rod to obtain the optimal ratio of internal and external radius. The results are instructive for the application of thick-walled cylindrical rods in the fields of waste heat harvesters and soft robotics.
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104
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Rogóż M, Dziekan Z, Dradrach K, Zmyślony M, Nałęcz-Jawecki P, Grabowski P, Fabjanowicz B, Podgórska M, Kudzia A, Wasylczyk P. From Light-Powered Motors, to Micro-Grippers, to Crawling Caterpillars, Snails and Beyond-Light-Responsive Oriented Polymers in Action. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:8214. [PMID: 36431699 PMCID: PMC9698796 DOI: 10.3390/ma15228214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
"How would you build a robot, the size of a bacteria, powered by light, that would swim towards the light source, escape from it, or could be controlled by means of different light colors, intensities or polarizations?" This was the question that Professor Diederik Wiersma asked PW on a sunny spring day in 2012, when they first met at LENS-the European Laboratory of Nonlinear Spectroscopy-in Sesto Fiorentino, just outside Florence in northern Italy. It was not just a vague question, as Prof. Wiersma, then the LENS director and leader of one of its research groups, already had an idea (and an ERC grant) about how to actually make such micro-robots, using a class of light-responsive oriented polymers, liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs), combined with the most advanced fabrication technique-two-photon 3D laser photolithography. Indeed, over the next few years, the LCE technology, successfully married with the so-called direct laser writing at LENS, resulted in a 60 micrometer long walker developed in Prof. Wiersma's group (as, surprisingly, walking at that stage proved to be easier than swimming). After completing his post-doc at LENS, PW returned to his home Faculty of Physics at the University of Warsaw, and started experimenting with LCE, both in micrometer and millimeter scales, in his newly established Photonic Nanostructure Facility. This paper is a review of how the ideas of using light-powered soft actuators in micromechanics and micro-robotics have been evolving in Warsaw over the last decade and what the outcomes have been so far.
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105
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Maghsoodi A, Bhattacharya K. Light-induced swirling and locomotion. Proc Math Phys Eng Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1098/rspa.2022.0545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The design of remotely activated, untethered devices without onboard power is a continuing challenge in soft robotics. This work describes a method of generating a whirling motion in pre-stressed photomechanical liquid crystal elastomer fibres using steady illumination that can be exploited for propulsion and mixing. Photomechanical liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) can convert light directly into mechanical deformation, making them attractive candidates for soft actuators capable of remote and multi-mode actuation. We propose a three-dimensional multi-scale model of the nonlinear and non-local dynamics of fibres of photomechanical LCEs under illumination. We use the model to show that pre-stressed helix-like fibres immersed in a fluid can undergo a periodic whirling motion under steady illumination. We analyse the photo-driven spatio-temporal pattern and stability of the whirling deformation, and provide a parametric study. Unlike previous work on photo-driven periodic motion, this whirling motion does not exploit instabilities in the form of snap-through phenomena, or unilateral constraints as in rolling. More broadly, our work provides an unusual example of a physical system capable of periodic motion under steady stimulus that does not exploit instabilities. We finally show that such motion can be exploited in developing remote controlled bioinspired microswimmers and novel micromixers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameneh Maghsoodi
- Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Kaushik Bhattacharya
- Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
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106
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Li C, Zhang Z, Heinke L. Nanoporous Metal-Organic Framework Thin Films with Embedded Fulgide for Light-Modulated Guest Adsorption and Diffusion. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:13103-13108. [PMID: 36206525 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c01810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Smart and photoresponsive materials and thin films allow the dynamic remote control of their central properties. By incorporation of photochromic molecules in nanoporous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), the interaction between the MOF host and the guest molecules in the pores can be modified. Here, a MOF film of type UiO-68 is presented in which the photoswitchable feature is added by embedment of photochromic fulgide molecules of type Aberchrome 670 in the pores. The photoisomerization in the pores is explored by UV-vis and infrared spectroscopy, and the transient uptake of toluene and methanol probe molecules is explored using a quartz crystal microbalance. For the first time, a fulgide-based nanoporous material is used to remote-control the adsorption and diffusion properties. We find that the toluene uptake amount can be increased by 37% and the toluene diffusion coefficient can be increased by 40% when reversibly photoswitching the embedded fulgide from its E-form to C-form. In this way, this study aims to contribute to the field of light-responsive nanoporous materials and thus expands the range of smart coatings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Li
- Institute of Functional Interfaces (IFG), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Zejun Zhang
- Institute of Functional Interfaces (IFG), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Lars Heinke
- Institute of Functional Interfaces (IFG), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
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107
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Chen S, Hu K, Yan S, Ma T, Deng X, Zhang W, Yin J, Jiang X. Dynamic metal patterns of wrinkles based on photosensitive layers. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2022; 67:2186-2195. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2022.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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108
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Kim IH, Choi S, Lee J, Jung J, Yeo J, Kim JT, Ryu S, Ahn SK, Kang J, Poulin P, Kim SO. Human-muscle-inspired single fibre actuator with reversible percolation. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 17:1198-1205. [PMID: 36302962 PMCID: PMC9646516 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-022-01220-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Artificial muscles are indispensable components for next-generation robotics capable of mimicking sophisticated movements of living systems. However, an optimal combination of actuation parameters, including strain, stress, energy density and high mechanical strength, is required for their practical applications. Here we report mammalian-skeletal-muscle-inspired single fibres and bundles with large and strong contractive actuation. The use of exfoliated graphene fillers within a uniaxial liquid crystalline matrix enables photothermal actuation with large work capacity and rapid response. Moreover, the reversible percolation of graphene fillers induced by the thermodynamic conformational transition of mesoscale structures can be in situ monitored by electrical switching. Such a dynamic percolation behaviour effectively strengthens the mechanical properties of the actuator fibres, particularly in the contracted actuation state, enabling mammalian-muscle-like reliable reversible actuation. Taking advantage of a mechanically compliant fibre structure, smart actuators are readily integrated into strong bundles as well as high-power soft robotics with light-driven remote control.
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Affiliation(s)
- In Ho Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- National Creative Research Initiative Center for Multi-dimensional Directed Nanoscale Assembly, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Subi Choi
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jieun Lee
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyoung Jung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinwook Yeo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Tae Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- National Creative Research Initiative Center for Multi-dimensional Directed Nanoscale Assembly, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghwa Ryu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk-Kyun Ahn
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiheong Kang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Philippe Poulin
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal, Pessac, France
| | - Sang Ouk Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
- National Creative Research Initiative Center for Multi-dimensional Directed Nanoscale Assembly, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
- Materials Creation, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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109
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Supramolecular photodynamic agents for simultaneous oxidation of NADH and generation of superoxide radical. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6179. [PMID: 36261451 PMCID: PMC9582220 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33924-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Given that Type-I photosensitizers (PSs) have hypoxia tolerance, developing general approaches to prepare Type-I PSs is of great importance, but remains a challenge. Here, we report a supramolecular strategy for the preparation of Type-I photodynamic agents, which simultaneously generate strong oxidizing cationic radicals and superoxide radicals, by introducing electron acceptors to the existing Type-II PSs. As a proof-of-concept, three electron acceptors were designed and co-assembled with a classical PS to produce quadruple hydrogen-bonded supramolecular photodynamic agents. The photo-induced electron transfer from the PS to the adjacent electron acceptor occurs efficiently, leading to the generation of a strong oxidizing PS+• and an anionic radical of the acceptor, which further transfers an electron to oxygen to form O2-•. In addition, these photodynamic agents induce direct photocatalytic oxidation of NADH with a turnover frequency as high as 53.7 min-1, which offers an oxygen-independent mechanism to damage tumors.
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110
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Xu H, Bai S, Gu G, Gao Y, Sun X, Guo X, Xuan F, Wang Y. Bioinspired Self-Resettable Hydrogel Actuators Powered by a Chemical Fuel. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:43825-43832. [PMID: 36103624 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c13368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The movements of soft living tissues, such as muscle, have sparked a strong interest in the design of hydrogel actuators; however, so far, typical manmade examples still lag behind their biological counterparts, which usually function under nonequilibrium conditions through the consumption of high-energy biomolecules and show highly autonomous behaviors. Here, we report on self-resettable hydrogel actuators that are powered by a chemical fuel and can spontaneously return to their original states over time once the fuels are depleted. Self-resettable actuation originates from a chemical fuel-mediated transient change in the hydrophilicity of the hydrogel networks. The actuation extent and duration can be programmed by the fuel levels, and the self-resettable actuation process is highly recyclable through refueling. Furthermore, various proof-of-concept autonomous soft robots are created, resembling the movements of soft-bodied creatures in nature. This work may serve as a starting point for the development of lifelike soft robots with autonomous behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Xu
- State-Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Meilong Road 130, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Shengyu Bai
- State-Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Meilong Road 130, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Guanyao Gu
- State-Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Meilong Road 130, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Yuliang Gao
- State-Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Meilong Road 130, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Xun Sun
- Guizhou Aerospace Institute of Measuring and Testing Technology, Guiyang 550009, P. R. China
| | - Xuhong Guo
- State-Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Meilong Road 130, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Fuzhen Xuan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Intelligent Sensing and Detection Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Meilong Road 130, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Yiming Wang
- State-Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Meilong Road 130, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Intelligent Sensing and Detection Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Meilong Road 130, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
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111
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Yang Y, Wang C, Zhou W, Xiao Y, Wang L, Liu X, Zhou S, Li D, Liu Y, Zhou C. Recyclable shape memory polymers with independent honeycomb crosslinked polymer actuators and temperature response switches inspired by bow principle. J Appl Polym Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/app.53166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yang
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Inorganic Nonmetallic Crystalline and Energy Conversion Materials China Three Gorges University Yichang China
| | - Chune Wang
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Inorganic Nonmetallic Crystalline and Energy Conversion Materials China Three Gorges University Yichang China
| | - Wenyan Zhou
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Inorganic Nonmetallic Crystalline and Energy Conversion Materials China Three Gorges University Yichang China
| | - Yu Xiao
- Department of Civil Engineering, College of Mechanics and Engineering Science Shanghai University Shanghai China
| | - Lei Wang
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Inorganic Nonmetallic Crystalline and Energy Conversion Materials China Three Gorges University Yichang China
| | - Xiang Liu
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Inorganic Nonmetallic Crystalline and Energy Conversion Materials China Three Gorges University Yichang China
| | - Shiyi Zhou
- College of Materials and Chemistry & Chemical Engineering Chengdu University of Technology Chengdu People's Republic of China
| | - Dejiang Li
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Inorganic Nonmetallic Crystalline and Energy Conversion Materials China Three Gorges University Yichang China
| | - Yang Liu
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Inorganic Nonmetallic Crystalline and Energy Conversion Materials China Three Gorges University Yichang China
| | - Changlin Zhou
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Inorganic Nonmetallic Crystalline and Energy Conversion Materials China Three Gorges University Yichang China
- Department of Research and Development Hubei Three Gorges Laboratory Yichang China
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112
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Ma LL, Li CY, Pan JT, Ji YE, Jiang C, Zheng R, Wang ZY, Wang Y, Li BX, Lu YQ. Self-assembled liquid crystal architectures for soft matter photonics. LIGHT, SCIENCE & APPLICATIONS 2022; 11:270. [PMID: 36100592 PMCID: PMC9470592 DOI: 10.1038/s41377-022-00930-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembled architectures of soft matter have fascinated scientists for centuries due to their unique physical properties originated from controllable orientational and/or positional orders, and diverse optic and photonic applications. If one could know how to design, fabricate, and manipulate these optical microstructures in soft matter systems, such as liquid crystals (LCs), that would open new opportunities in both scientific research and practical applications, such as the interaction between light and soft matter, the intrinsic assembly of the topological patterns, and the multidimensional control of the light (polarization, phase, spatial distribution, propagation direction). Here, we summarize recent progresses in self-assembled optical architectures in typical thermotropic LCs and bio-based lyotropic LCs. After briefly introducing the basic definitions and properties of the materials, we present the manipulation schemes of various LC microstructures, especially the topological and topographic configurations. This work further illustrates external-stimuli-enabled dynamic controllability of self-assembled optical structures of these soft materials, and demonstrates several emerging applications. Lastly, we discuss the challenges and opportunities of these materials towards soft matter photonics, and envision future perspectives in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Ling Ma
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Manipulation, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Chao-Yi Li
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Manipulation, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jin-Tao Pan
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Manipulation, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yue-E Ji
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Manipulation, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Chang Jiang
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Manipulation, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Ren Zheng
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Manipulation, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Ze-Yu Wang
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Manipulation, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yu Wang
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Manipulation, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Bing-Xiang Li
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Manipulation, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
- College of Electronic and Optical Engineering & College of Flexible Electronics (Future Technology), Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Yan-Qing Lu
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Manipulation, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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113
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Zhang X, Liu F, Du B, Huang R, Zhang S, He Y, Wang H, Cui J, Zhang B, Yu T, Huang W. Construction of Photoresponsive 3D Structures Based on Triphenylethylene Photochromic Building Blocks. Research (Wash D C) 2022; 2022:9834140. [PMID: 36157512 PMCID: PMC9484832 DOI: 10.34133/2022/9834140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoresponsive materials have been widely used in sensing, bioimaging, molecular switches, information storage, and encryption nowadays. Although a large amount of photoresponsive materials have been reported, the construction of these smart materials into precisely prescribed complex 3D geometries is rarely studied. Here we designed a novel photoresponsive material methyl methacrylate containing triphenylethylene (TrPEF2-MA) that can be directly used for digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing. Based on TrPEF2-MA, a series of photoresponsive 3D structures with reversible color switching under ultraviolet/visible light irradiations were fabricated. These complex photoresponsive 3D structures show high resolutions (50 μm), excellent repeatability (25 cycles without fatigue), and tunable saturate color degrees. Multicomponent DLP 3D printing processes were also carried out to demonstrate their great properties in information hiding and information-carrying properties. This design strategy for constructing photoresponsive 3D structures is attractive in the area of adaptive camouflage, information hiding, information storage, and flexible electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiayu Zhang
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Shaanxi Institute of Flexible Electronics & Shaanxi Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Fukang Liu
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Shaanxi Institute of Flexible Electronics & Shaanxi Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Beibei Du
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Shaanxi Institute of Flexible Electronics & Shaanxi Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Rongjuan Huang
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Shaanxi Institute of Flexible Electronics & Shaanxi Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Simin Zhang
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Shaanxi Institute of Flexible Electronics & Shaanxi Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Yunfei He
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Shaanxi Institute of Flexible Electronics & Shaanxi Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Hailan Wang
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Shaanxi Institute of Flexible Electronics & Shaanxi Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Jingjing Cui
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Shaanxi Institute of Flexible Electronics & Shaanxi Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Biao Zhang
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Shaanxi Institute of Flexible Electronics & Shaanxi Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Tao Yu
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Shaanxi Institute of Flexible Electronics & Shaanxi Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Shaanxi Institute of Flexible Electronics & Shaanxi Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi’an 710072, China
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics & Institute of Advanced Materials, Nanjing Tech University, 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing 211816, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Electronics and Information Displays & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Nanjing University of Posts & Telecommunications, 9 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing 210023, China
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114
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Confinement-Induced Fabrication of Liquid Crystalline Polymeric Fibers. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175639. [PMID: 36080405 PMCID: PMC9458136 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In aqueous media, liquid crystalline droplets typically form spherical shapes in order to minimize surface energy. Recently, non-spherical geometry has been reported using molecular self-assembly of surfactant-stabilized liquid crystalline oligomers, resulting in branched and randomly oriented filamentous networks. In this study, we report a polymerization of liquid crystalline polymeric fibers within a micro-mold. When liquid crystal oligomers are polymerized in freely suspended aqueous media, curvilinear and randomly networked filaments are obtained. When reactive liquid crystalline monomers are oligomerized in a micro-channel, however, highly aligned linear fibers are polymerized. Within a top-down microfabricated mold, a bottom-up molecular assembly was successfully achieved in a controlled manner by micro-confinement, suggesting a unique opportunity for the programming architecture of materials via a hybrid approach.
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115
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Wang Q, Wu Z, Li J, Wei J, Guo J, Yin M. Spontaneous and Continuous Actuators Driven by Fluctuations in Ambient Humidity for Energy-Harvesting Applications. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:38972-38980. [PMID: 35994317 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c11944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Self-oscillating soft actuators that enable spontaneous and continuous motion under an external stimulus with no human intervention have attracted extensive attention due to the great value of the realization of more sustainable and low-power-consumption actuators. However, the achievement of such actuators that collect chemical energy from the fluctuations in ambient humidity is still a great challenge. Here, an actuator film based on spiropyran@agarose (SP@AG) that can spontaneously and continuously collect chemical energy from the fluctuations in ambient humidity is developed. It is noteworthy that the SP@AG film has excellent self-oscillation behavior and a high oscillation amplitude (184°) under the size (40 × 8 mm) or load of 116 mg (about 5.2 times of the film weight). Moreover, on the basis of the self-oscillating motion, an energy conversion device is constructed by integrating the soft actuator with a piezoelectric PVDF film, which can spontaneously and continuously generate an output voltage of about 30 mV. Finally, a proof of concept for an "intelligent light-controllable window" that can open under humidity stimulus and change color under light is proposed herein. Overall, the self-oscillating actuator driven by fluctuations in ambient humidity shows immense potential in response to the atmospheric humidity of day-night rhythm and humid-energy-harvesting devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029 People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029 People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029 People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Wei
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, and College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinbao Guo
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, and College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Meizhen Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029 People's Republic of China
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116
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Photomotion of Hydrogels with Covalently Attached Azo Dye Moieties—Thermoresponsive and Non-Thermoresponsive Gels. Gels 2022; 8:gels8090541. [PMID: 36135253 PMCID: PMC9498539 DOI: 10.3390/gels8090541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The unique photomotion of azo materials under irradiation has been in the focus of research for decades and has been expanded to different classes of solids such as polymeric glasses, liquid crystalline materials, and elastomers. In this communication, azo dye-containing gels are obtained by photocrosslinking of non-thermoresponsive and lower critical solution temperature type thermoresponsive copolymers. These are analysed with light microscopy regarding their actuation behaviour under laser irradiation. The influences of the cloud-point temperature and of the laser power are investigated in a series of comparative experiments. The thermoresponsive hydrogels show more intense photoactuation when the cloud-point temperature of the non-crosslinked polymer is above, but closer to, room temperature, while higher laser powers lead to stronger motion, indicating a photothermal mechanism. In non-thermoresponsive gels, considerably weaker photoactuation occurs, signifying a secondary mechanism that is a direct consequence of the optical field-azo dye interaction.
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117
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Zhou L, Yu W, Li K. Dynamical Behaviors of a Translating Liquid Crystal Elastomer Fiber in a Linear Temperature Field. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14153185. [PMID: 35956704 PMCID: PMC9371172 DOI: 10.3390/polym14153185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) fiber with a fixed end in an inhomogeneous temperature field is capable of self-oscillating because of coupling between heat transfer and deformation, and the dynamics of a translating LCE fiber in an inhomogeneous temperature field are worth investigating to widen its applications. In this paper, we propose a theoretic constitutive model and the asymptotic relationship of a LCE fiber translating in a linear temperature field and investigate the dynamical behaviors of a corresponding fiber-mass system. In the three cases of the frame at rest, uniform, and accelerating translation, the fiber-mass system can still self-oscillate, which is determined by the combination of the heat-transfer characteristic time, the temperature gradient, and the thermal expansion coefficient. The self-oscillation is maintained by the energy input from the ambient linear temperature field to compensate for damping dissipation. Meanwhile, the amplitude and frequency of the self-oscillation are not affected by the translating frame for the three cases. Compared with the cases of the frame at rest, the translating frame can change the equilibrium position of the self-oscillation. The results are expected to provide some useful recommendations for the design and motion control in the fields of micro-robots, energy harvesters, and clinical surgical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhou
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Wangyang Yu
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
- Correspondence:
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118
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Zheng X, Liu Z, Wang R, Chen A. Bending-Insensitive Intrinsically Flexible Ultraviolet Encoding Devices Based on Piezoelectric Nanogenerator-Supplied Liquid Crystalline Polymer Fabrics. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2202639. [PMID: 35871501 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202202639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
It is significantly challenging for state-of-the-art wearable electronics to stably monitor physicochemical signals under dynamic motions. Herein, a bending-insensitive, self-powered, and intrinsically flexible UV detector has been realized based on well-designed oriented composite fabrics, consisting of ionic liquid (IL)-containing liquid crystalline polymers (ILCPs) and piezoelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF-TrFE)] nanogenerators. The novel composite fabrics establish effective UV illuminance-internal stress-electric signal conversion by coupling resistive and piezoelectric effects, with a fast response time of 190 ms. Particularly, benefiting from the intrinsic flexibility of composite fabrics, the ILCP/P(VDF-TrFE) device can maintain stable performance under dynamic bending even if the frequency is up to 2.5 Hz, with a bending insensitivity of less than 1% performance variation under 1.0 mW cm-2 UV light. Combined with the Internet of Things and the American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII), wearable encoding electronics have been successfully implemented with a printing speed of 3.2 s per character under dynamic bending.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiong Zheng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, P. R. China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, P. R. China
| | - Zhefeng Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, P. R. China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, P. R. China
| | - Rui Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, P. R. China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, P. R. China
| | - Aihua Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, P. R. China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, P. R. China
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119
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Synchronization of a Passive Oscillator and a Liquid Crystal Elastomer Self-Oscillator Powered by Steady Illumination. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14153058. [PMID: 35956572 PMCID: PMC9370277 DOI: 10.3390/polym14153058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-oscillators have the advantages of actively harvesting energy from external steady environment, autonomy, and portability, and can be adopted as an engine to drive additional working equipment. The synchronous behavior of self-oscillators and passive oscillators may have an important impact on their functions. In this paper, we construct a self-oscillating system composed of a passive oscillator and an active liquid crystal elastomer self-oscillator powered by steady illumination, and theoretically investigate the synchronization of two coupled oscillators. There exist three synchronous regimes of the two coupled oscillators: static, in-phase, and anti-phase. The mechanisms of self-oscillations in in-phase and anti-phase synchronous regimes are elucidated in detail by calculating several key physical parameters. In addition, the effects of spring constant, initial velocity, contraction coefficient, light intensity, and damping coefficient on the self-oscillations of two coupled oscillators are further investigated, and the critical conditions for triggering self-oscillations are obtained. Numerical calculations show that the synchronous regime of self-oscillations is mainly determined by the spring constant, and the amplitudes of self-oscillations of two oscillators increase with increasing contraction coefficient, light intensity, and spring constant, while decrease with increasing damping coefficient. This study deepens the understanding of synchronization between coupled oscillators and may provide new design ideas for energy harvesters, soft robotics, signal detection, active motors, and self-sustained machinery.
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120
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Fedele C, Ruoko TP, Kuntze K, Virkki M, Priimagi A. New tricks and emerging applications from contemporary azobenzene research. PHOTOCHEMICAL & PHOTOBIOLOGICAL SCIENCES : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN PHOTOCHEMISTRY ASSOCIATION AND THE EUROPEAN SOCIETY FOR PHOTOBIOLOGY 2022; 21:1719-1734. [PMID: 35896915 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-022-00262-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Azobenzenes have many faces. They are well-known as dyes, but most of all, azobenzenes are versatile photoswitchable molecules with powerful photochemical properties. Azobenzene photochemistry has been extensively studied for decades, but only relatively recently research has taken a steer towards applications, ranging from photonics and robotics to photobiology. In this perspective, after an overview of the recent trends in the molecular design of azobenzenes, we highlight three research areas where the azobenzene photoswitches may bring about promising technological innovations: chemical sensing, organic transistors, and cell signaling. Ingenious molecular designs have enabled versatile control of azobenzene photochemical properties, which has in turn facilitated the development of chemical sensors and photoswitchable organic transistors. Finally, the power of azobenzenes in biology is exemplified by vision restoration and photactivation of neural signaling. Although the selected examples reveal only some of the faces of azobenzenes, we expect the fields presented to develop rapidly in the near future, and that azobenzenes will play a central role in this development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Fedele
- Smart Photonic Materials, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Korkeakoulunkatu 3, FI-33720, Tampere, Finland
| | - Tero-Petri Ruoko
- Smart Photonic Materials, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Korkeakoulunkatu 3, FI-33720, Tampere, Finland
| | - Kim Kuntze
- Smart Photonic Materials, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Korkeakoulunkatu 3, FI-33720, Tampere, Finland
| | - Matti Virkki
- Smart Photonic Materials, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Korkeakoulunkatu 3, FI-33720, Tampere, Finland
| | - Arri Priimagi
- Smart Photonic Materials, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Korkeakoulunkatu 3, FI-33720, Tampere, Finland.
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121
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Xiao YY, Jiang ZC, Hou JB, Chen XS, Zhao Y. Electrically driven liquid crystal network actuators. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:4850-4867. [PMID: 35730498 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00544a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Soft actuators based on liquid crystal networks (LCNs) have aroused great scientific interest for use as stimuli-controlled shape-changing and moving components for robotic devices due to their fast, large, programmable and solvent-free actuation responses. Recently, various LCN actuators have been implemented in soft robotics using stimulus sources such as heat, light, humidity and chemical reactions. Among them, electrically driven LCN actuators allow easy modulation and programming of the input electrical signals (amplitude, phase, and frequency) as well as stimulation throughout the volume, rendering them promising actuators for practical applications. Herein, the progress of electrically driven LCN actuators regarding their construction, actuation mechanisms, actuation performance, actuation programmability and the design strategies for intelligent systems is elucidated. We also discuss new robotic functions and advanced actuation control. Finally, an outlook is provided, highlighting the research challenges faced with this type of actuator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Yu Xiao
- Département de Chimie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
| | - Zhi-Chao Jiang
- Département de Chimie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
| | - Jun-Bo Hou
- Département de Chimie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
| | - Xin-Shi Chen
- Département de Chimie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
| | - Yue Zhao
- Département de Chimie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
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122
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Liu X, Liu Y. Opto‐regulation for the 2D to 3D transformation of a liquid crystal network membrane. J Appl Polym Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/app.52769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Liu
- School of Civil Engineering Beijing Jiaotong University Beijing China
| | - Ying Liu
- School of Civil Engineering Beijing Jiaotong University Beijing China
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123
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Ren H, Yang P, Yu H. Recent Progress in Azopyridine-Containing Supramolecular Assembly: From Photoresponsive Liquid Crystals to Light-Driven Devices. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27133977. [PMID: 35807219 PMCID: PMC9268027 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27133977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Azobenzene derivatives have become one of the most famous photoresponsive chromophores in the past few decades for their reversible molecular switches upon the irradiation of actinic light. To meet the ever-increasing requirements for applications in materials science, biomedicine, and light-driven devices, it is usually necessary to adjust their photochemical property from the molecular level by changing the substituents on the benzene rings of azobenzene groups. Among the diverse azobenzene derivatives, azopyridine combines the photoresponsive feature of azobenzene groups and the supramolecular function of pyridyl moieties in one molecule. This unique feature provides pH-responsiveness and hydrogen/halogen/coordination binding sites in the same chromophore, paving a new way to prepare multi-functional responsive materials through non-covalent interactions and reversible chemical reactions. This review summarizes the photochemical and photophysical properties of azopyridine derivatives in supramolecular states (e.g., hydrogen/halogen bonding, coordination interactions, and quaternization reactions) and illustrates their applications from photoresponsive liquid crystals to light-driven devices. We hope this review can highlight azopyridine as one more versatile candidate molecule for designing novel photoresponsive materials towards light-driven applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Ren
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China;
| | - Peng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China;
- Correspondence: (P.Y.); (H.Y.)
| | - Haifeng Yu
- Institute of New Structural Materials, School of Material Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Correspondence: (P.Y.); (H.Y.)
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124
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Supramolecular nylon-based actuators with a high work efficiency based on host–guest complexation and the mechanoisomerization of azobenzene. Polym J 2022. [DOI: 10.1038/s41428-022-00666-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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125
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Uchida J, Soberats B, Gupta M, Kato T. Advanced Functional Liquid Crystals. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2109063. [PMID: 35034382 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202109063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystals have been intensively studied as functional materials. Recently, integration of various disciplines has led to new directions in the design of functional liquid-crystalline materials in the fields of energy, water, photonics, actuation, sensing, and biotechnology. Here, recent advances in functional liquid crystals based on polymers, supramolecular complexes, gels, colloids, and inorganic-based hybrids are reviewed, from design strategies to functionalization of these materials and interfaces. New insights into liquid crystals provided by significant progress in advanced measurements and computational simulations, which enhance new design and functionalization of liquid-crystalline materials, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junya Uchida
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Bartolome Soberats
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Balearic Islands, Cra. Valldemossa Km. 7.5, Palma de Mallorca, 07122, Spain
| | - Monika Gupta
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Takashi Kato
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
- Research Initiative for Supra-Materials, Shinshu University, Wakasato, Nagano, 380-8553, Japan
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126
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Twisting for soft intelligent autonomous robot in unstructured environments. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2200265119. [PMID: 35605115 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2200265119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
SignificanceAutonomy is crucial for soft robotics that are constructed of soft materials. It remains challenging to create autonomous soft robots that can intelligently interact with and adapt to changing environments without external controls. To do so, it often requires an analogical soft "brain" that integrates on-board sensing, control, computation, and decision-making. Here, we report an autonomous soft robot embodied with physical intelligence for decision-making via adaptive soft body-environment interactions and snap-through instability, without integrated sensing and external controls. This study harnesses physical intelligence as a new paradigm for designing autonomous soft robots that can interact intelligently with their environments, thus potentially reducing the burdens on the conventional integrated sensing, control, computations, and decision-making systems in designing intelligent soft robots.
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127
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Fu L, Zhao W, Ma J, Yang M, Liu X, Zhang L, Chen Y. A Humidity-Powered Soft Robot with Fast Rolling Locomotion. RESEARCH 2022; 2022:9832901. [PMID: 35651597 PMCID: PMC9125428 DOI: 10.34133/2022/9832901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
A range of soft robotic systems have recently been developed that use soft, flexible materials and respond to environmental stimulus. The greatest challenge in their design is the integration of the actuator, energy sources, and body of robots while achieving fast locomotion and well-defined programmable trajectories. This work presents such a design that operates under constant conditions without the need for an externally modulated stimulus. By using a humidity-sensitive agarose film and overcoming the isotropic and random bending of the film, the robot, which we call the Hydrollbot, harnesses energy from evaporation for spontaneous and continuous fast self-rolling locomotion with a programmable trajectory in a constant-humidity environment. Moreover, the geometric parameters of the film were fine-tuned to maximize the rolling speed, and the optimised hydrollbot is capable of carrying a payload up to 100% of its own weight. The ability to self-propel fast under constant conditions with programmable trajectories will confer practical advantages to this robot in the applications for sensors, medical robots, actuation, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Fu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
- Key Laboratory of Mechanism Theory and Equipment Design of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Weiqiang Zhao
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jiayao Ma
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
- Key Laboratory of Mechanism Theory and Equipment Design of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Mingyuan Yang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
- Key Laboratory of Mechanism Theory and Equipment Design of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xinmeng Liu
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yan Chen
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
- Key Laboratory of Mechanism Theory and Equipment Design of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
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128
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Zhao T, Fan Y, Lv JA. Photomorphogenesis of Diverse Autonomous Traveling Waves in a Monolithic Soft Artificial Muscle. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:23839-23849. [PMID: 35536103 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c02000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Biological organisms (e.g., batoid fish, etc.) possess the remarkable ability to morph their soft, sheet-like tissues into wavy morphologies and self-oscillate to make traveling waves, enabling myriad functionalities in propulsion, locomotion, and transportation. In contrast, current manmade soft robotic systems cannot adaptively make wavy morphologies and concurrently achieve wave propagation because the controllable actuation of desired 3D morphologies in entirely soft materials is a formidable challenge due to their continuously deformable bodies that own a large number of actuable degrees of freedom. Here, we report a bioinspired robotic system that not only allows photomorphogenesis of on-demand 3D wavy morphologies but also enables autonomous wave propagation in a monolithic soft artificial muscle (MSAM). This system employs a conceptually different design strategy based on a combination of two principles derived from plant morphogenesis and the undulatory motion of ray fish. The former offers a shaping principle based on differential growth that enables morphing MSAM into target wavy configurations, while the latter inspires a driving principle that induces autonomous propagation of shaped waves by rhythmic motor patterns. This waving system can be used as adaptive "soft engines/motors" that enable directional locomotion, intelligent transportation of cargo, and autonomous propulsion. It even produces programmable, complex artificial peristaltic waves. Our design allows controllable formation of 3D wavy morphologies and autonomous wave behaviors in the soft robotic system that would be useful for broad applications in adaptive, self-regulated mechanical systems for advanced robotics, soft machines, and energy harvest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonghui Zhao
- Key Laboratory of 3D Micro/Nano Fabrication and Characterization of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
- Institute of Advanced Technology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yangyang Fan
- Key Laboratory of 3D Micro/Nano Fabrication and Characterization of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
- Institute of Advanced Technology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jiu-An Lv
- Key Laboratory of 3D Micro/Nano Fabrication and Characterization of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
- Institute of Advanced Technology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
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129
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Light moves artificial cilia to a complex beat. Nature 2022; 605:37-38. [PMID: 35508770 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-022-01080-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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130
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Li S, Lerch MM, Waters JT, Deng B, Martens RS, Yao Y, Kim DY, Bertoldi K, Grinthal A, Balazs AC, Aizenberg J. Self-regulated non-reciprocal motions in single-material microstructures. Nature 2022; 605:76-83. [PMID: 35508775 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-04561-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Living cilia stir, sweep and steer via swirling strokes of complex bending and twisting, paired with distinct reverse arcs1,2. Efforts to mimic such dynamics synthetically rely on multimaterial designs but face limits to programming arbitrary motions or diverse behaviours in one structure3-8. Here we show how diverse, complex, non-reciprocal, stroke-like trajectories emerge in a single-material system through self-regulation. When a micropost composed of photoresponsive liquid crystal elastomer with mesogens aligned oblique to the structure axis is exposed to a static light source, dynamic dances evolve as light initiates a travelling order-to-disorder transition front, transiently turning the structure into a complex evolving bimorph that twists and bends via multilevel opto-chemo-mechanical feedback. As captured by our theoretical model, the travelling front continuously reorients the molecular, geometric and illumination axes relative to each other, yielding pathways composed from series of twisting, bending, photophobic and phototropic motions. Guided by the model, here we choreograph a wide range of trajectories by tailoring parameters, including illumination angle, light intensity, molecular anisotropy, microstructure geometry, temperature and irradiation intervals and duration. We further show how this opto-chemo-mechanical self-regulation serves as a foundation for creating self-organizing deformation patterns in closely spaced microstructure arrays via light-mediated interpost communication, as well as complex motions of jointed microstructures, with broad implications for autonomous multimodal actuators in areas such as soft robotics7,9,10, biomedical devices11,12 and energy transduction materials13, and for fundamental understanding of self-regulated systems14,15.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shucong Li
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Michael M Lerch
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - James T Waters
- Chemical Engineering Department, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bolei Deng
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Reese S Martens
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yuxing Yao
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Do Yoon Kim
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Katia Bertoldi
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Alison Grinthal
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Anna C Balazs
- Chemical Engineering Department, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Joanna Aizenberg
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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131
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Zhou Y, Li H. A Scientometric Review of Soft Robotics: Intellectual Structures and Emerging Trends Analysis (2010–2021). Front Robot AI 2022; 9:868682. [PMID: 35603081 PMCID: PMC9117729 DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2022.868682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Within the last decade, soft robotics has attracted an increasing attention from both academia and industry. Although multiple literature reviews of the whole soft robotics field have been conducted, there still appears to be a lack of systematic investigation of the intellectual structure and evolution of this field considering the increasing amount of publications. This paper conducts a scientometric review of the progressively synthesized network derived from 10,504 bibliographic records using a topic search on soft robotics from 2010 to 2021 based on the Web of Science (WoS) core database. The results are presented from both the general data analysis of included papers (e.g., relevant journals, citation, h-index, year, institution, country, disciplines) and the specific data analysis corresponding to main disciplines and topics, and more importantly, emerging trends. CiteSpace, a data visualization software, which can construct the co-citation network maps and provide citation bursts, is used to explore the intellectual structures and emerging trends of the soft robotics field. In addition, this paper offers a demonstration of an effective analytical method for evaluating enormous publication citation and co-citation data. Findings of this review can be used as a reference for future research in soft robotics and relevant topics.
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132
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Chi Y, Li Y, Zhao Y, Hong Y, Tang Y, Yin J. Bistable and Multistable Actuators for Soft Robots: Structures, Materials, and Functionalities. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2110384. [PMID: 35172026 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202110384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Snap-through bistability is often observed in nature (e.g., fast snapping to closure of Venus flytrap) and the life (e.g., bottle caps and hair clippers). Recently, harnessing bistability and multistability in different structures and soft materials has attracted growing interest for high-performance soft actuators and soft robots. They have demonstrated broad and unique applications in high-speed locomotion on land and under water, adaptive sensing and fast grasping, shape reconfiguration, electronics-free controls with a single input, and logic computation. Here, an overview of integrating bistable and multistable structures with soft actuating materials for diverse soft actuators and soft/flexible robots is given. The mechanics-guided structural design principles for five categories of basic bistable elements from 1D to 3D (i.e., constrained beams, curved plates, dome shells, compliant mechanisms of linkages with flexible hinges and deformable origami, and balloon structures) are first presented, alongside brief discussions of typical soft actuating materials (i.e., fluidic elastomers and stimuli-responsive materials such as electro-, photo-, thermo-, magnetic-, and hydro-responsive polymers). Following that, integrating these soft materials with each category of bistable elements for soft bistable and multistable actuators and their diverse robotic applications are discussed. To conclude, perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in this emerging field are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinding Chi
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Yanbin Li
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Yao Zhao
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Yaoye Hong
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Yichao Tang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jie Yin
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
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133
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Chen G, Jin B, Shi Y, Zhao Q, Shen Y, Xie T. Rapidly and Repeatedly Reprogrammable Liquid Crystalline Elastomer via a Shape Memory Mechanism. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2201679. [PMID: 35357046 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202201679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Realization of muscle-like actuation for a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) requires mesogen alignment, which is typically achieved/fixed chemically during the synthesis. Post-synthesis regulation of the alignment in a convenient and repeatable manner is highly desirable yet challenging. Here, a dual-phase LCE network is designed and synthesized with a crystalline melting transition above a liquid crystalline transition. The crystalline phase can serve as an "alignment frame" to fix any mechanical deformation via a shape memory mechanism, leading to corresponding mesogen alignment in the liquid crystalline phase. The alignment can be erased by melting, which can be the starting point for reprogramming. This strategy that relies on a physical shape memory transition for mesogen alignment permits repeated reprogramming in a timescale of seconds, in stark contrast to typical methods. It further leads to unusual versatility in designing 3D printed LCE with unlimited programmable actuation modes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guancong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Binjie Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- Center for X-Mechanics, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Yunpeng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Youqing Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Tao Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310027, China
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134
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Shang C, Xiong Z, Liu S, Yu W. Molecular Dynamics of Azobenzene Polymer with Photoreversible Glass Transition. Macromolecules 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ce Shang
- Advanced Rheology Institute, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, State Key Laboratory for Metal Matrix Composite Materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Zhongqiang Xiong
- Advanced Rheology Institute, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, State Key Laboratory for Metal Matrix Composite Materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Sijun Liu
- Advanced Rheology Institute, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, State Key Laboratory for Metal Matrix Composite Materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Wei Yu
- Advanced Rheology Institute, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, State Key Laboratory for Metal Matrix Composite Materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
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135
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Zhao F, Liu H, Li H, Cao Y, Hua X, Ge S, He Y, Jiang C, He D. Cogel Strategy for the Preparation of a "Thorn"-Like Porous Halloysite/Gelatin Composite Aerogel with Excellent Mechanical Properties and Thermal Insulation. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:17763-17773. [PMID: 35384643 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c23647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This work presents the preparation and property characterization of a biomass gelatin (GA)-based aerogel. Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were used to improve the mechanical strength, pore size distribution, and thermal stability of the aerogel. Polyethyleneimine (PEI) and (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) were utilized to increase the interfacial interaction between HNTs and GA through chemical cross-linking. Green, sustainable, and low-cost composite aerogels were prepared by "cogel" and freeze-drying techniques. The experimental results show that the HNTs/GA composite aerogel has a low density (31.98-57.48 mg/cm3), a high porosity (>95%), a low thermal conductivity (31.85-40.16 mW m-1 K-1), and superior moldability. In addition, the mechanical strength and thermal insulation properties of the HNTs/GA composite aerogels with a "thorn"-like lamellar porous network structure are different in the axial direction versus the radial direction. The maximum compressive strength, maximum compressive modulus, and corresponding specific modulus in the axial direction were 1.81 MPa, 5.45 MPa, and 94.8 kN m kg-1, respectively. Therefore, the biomass/clay composite aerogel will be a sustainable and renewable functional material with high mechanical strength and thermal insulation properties, which is expected to further promote biomass and clay for high value utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuxing Zhao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083, China
| | - Hao Liu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083, China
| | - Hanxin Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083, China
| | - Yixin Cao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083, China
| | - Xuyu Hua
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083, China
| | - Shengzhuo Ge
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083, China
| | - Yu He
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083, China
| | - Chongwen Jiang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Efficient and Clean Utilization of Manganese Resources, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083, China
| | - Dewen He
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083, China
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136
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Li CY, Zheng SY, Hao XP, Hong W, Zheng Q, Wu ZL. Spontaneous and rapid electro-actuated snapping of constrained polyelectrolyte hydrogels. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm9608. [PMID: 35417235 PMCID: PMC9007498 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm9608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Venus flytrap and bladderwort, capable of rapid predation through a snapping transition, have inspired various designs of soft actuators and robots with fast actions. These designs, in contrast to their natural counterparts, often require a direct force or pressurization. Here, we report a bistable domal hydrogel structure capable of spontaneous and reversible snapping under an electric field. Unlike a mechanical force, the electric field does not drive the gel directly. Instead, it redistributes mobile ions that direct the migration of water molecules and bends the polyelectrolyte hydrogel. Subject to constraint from surrounding neutral gel, the elastic energy accumulates until suddenly released by snapping, just like the process in natural organisms. Several proof-of-concept examples, including an optical switch, a speedy catcher, and a pulse pump, are designed to demonstrate the versatile functionalities of this unit capable of articulate motion. This work should bring opportunities to devise soft robotics, biomedical devices, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Yu Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Si Yu Zheng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Xing Peng Hao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Wei Hong
- Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Qiang Zheng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Zi Liang Wu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
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137
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Xu TY, Tong F, Xu H, Wang MQ, Tian H, Qu DH. Engineering Photomechanical Molecular Crystals to Achieve Extraordinary Expansion Based on Solid-State [2 + 2] Photocycloaddition. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:6278-6290. [PMID: 35289609 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c12485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Photomechanical molecular crystals are promising candidates for photoactuators and can potentially be implemented as smart materials in various fields. Here, we synthesized a new molecular crystal, (E)-3-(naphthalen-1-yl)acrylaldehyde malononitrile ((E)-NAAM), that can undergo a solid-state [2 + 2] photocycloaddition reaction under visible light (≥400 nm) illumination. (E)-NAAM microcrystals containing symmetric twinned sealed cavities were prepared using a surfactant-mediated crystal seeded growth method. When exposed to light, the hollow microcrystals exhibited robust photomechanical motions, including bending and dramatic directional expansion of up to 43.1% elongation of the original crystal length before fragmentation due to the photosalient effect. The sealed cavities inside the microcrystals could store different aqueous dye solutions for approximately one month and release the solutions instantly upon light irradiation. A unique slow-fast-slow crystal elongation kinematic process was observed, suggesting significant molecular rearrangements during the illumination period, leading to an average anisotropic crystal elongation of 37.0% (±3.8%). The significant molecular structure and geometry changes accompanying the photocycloaddition reaction, which propels photochemistry to nearly 100% completion, also facilitate photomechanical crystal expansion. Our results provide a possible way to rationally design molecular structures and engineer crystal morphologies to promote more interesting photomechanical behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Yi Xu
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, The People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Tong
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, The People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Xu
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, The People's Republic of China
| | - Meng-Qi Wang
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, The People's Republic of China
| | - He Tian
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, The People's Republic of China
| | - Da-Hui Qu
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, The People's Republic of China
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138
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A Light-Powered Liquid Crystal Elastomer Spring Oscillator with Self-Shading Coatings. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14081525. [PMID: 35458275 PMCID: PMC9028186 DOI: 10.3390/polym14081525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The self-oscillating systems based on stimuli-responsive materials, without complex controllers and additional batteries, have great application prospects in the fields of intelligent machines, soft robotics, and light-powered motors. Recently, the periodic oscillation of an LCE fiber with a mass block under periodic illumination was reported. This system requires periodic illumination, which limits the application of self-sustained systems. In this paper, we creatively proposed a light-powered liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) spring oscillator with self-shading coatings, which can self-oscillate continuously under steady illumination. On the basis of the well-established dynamic LCE model, the governing equation of the LCE spring oscillator is formulated, and the self-excited oscillation is studied theoretically. The numerical calculations show that the LCE spring oscillator has two motion modes, static mode and oscillation mode, and the self-oscillation arises from the coupling between the light-driven deformation and its movement. Furthermore, the contraction coefficient, damping coefficient, painting stretch, light intensity, spring constant, and gravitational acceleration all affect the self-excited oscillation of the spring oscillator, and each parameter is a critical value for triggering self-excited oscillation. This work will provide effective help in designing new optically responsive structures for engineering applications.
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139
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Li Y, Liu T, Ambrogi V, Rios O, Xia M, He W, Yang Z. Liquid Crystalline Elastomers Based on Click Chemistry. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:14842-14858. [PMID: 35319184 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c21096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) have emerged as an important class of functional materials that are suitable for a wide range of applications, such as sensors, actuators, and soft robotics. The unique properties of LCEs originate from the combination between liquid crystal and elastomeric network. The control of macroscopic liquid crystalline orientation and network structure is crucial to realizing the useful functionalities of LCEs. A variety of chemistries have been developed to fabricate LCEs, including hydrosilylation, free radical polymerization of acrylate, and polyaddition of epoxy and carboxylic acid. Over the past few years, the use of click chemistry has become a more robust and energy-efficient way to construct LCEs with desired structures. This article provides an overview of emerging LCEs based on click chemistries, including aza-Michael addition between amine and acrylate, radical-mediated thiol-ene and thiol-yne reactions, base-catalyzed thiol-acrylate and thiol-epoxy reactions, copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition, and Diels-Alder cycloaddition. The similarities and differences of these reactions are discussed, with particular attention focused on the strengths and limitations of each reaction for the preparation of LCEs with controlled structures and orientations. The compatibility of these reactions with the traditional and emerging processing techniques, such as surface alignment and additive manufacturing, are surveyed. Finally, the challenges and opportunities of using click chemistry for the design of LCEs with advanced functionalities and applications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhan Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Tuan Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Veronica Ambrogi
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli 80125, Italy
| | - Orlando Rios
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Min Xia
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Wanli He
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Zhou Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
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140
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Hou J, Long G, Zhao W, Zhou G, Liu D, Broer DJ, Feringa BL, Chen J. Phototriggered Complex Motion by Programmable Construction of Light-Driven Molecular Motors in Liquid Crystal Networks. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:6851-6860. [PMID: 35380815 PMCID: PMC9026258 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c01060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Recent developments
in artificial molecular machines have enabled
precisely controlled molecular motion, which allows several distinct
mechanical operations at the nanoscale. However, harnessing and amplifying
molecular motion along multiple length scales to induce macroscopic
motion are still major challenges and comprise an important next step
toward future actuators and soft robotics. The key to addressing this
challenge relies on effective integration of synthetic molecular machines
in a hierarchically aligned structure so numerous individual molecular
motions can be collected in a cooperative way and amplified to higher
length scales and eventually lead to macroscopic motion. Here, we
report the complex motion of liquid crystal networks embedded with
molecular motors triggered by single-wavelength illumination. By design,
both racemic and enantiomerically pure molecular motors are programmably
integrated into liquid crystal networks with a defined orientation.
The motors have multiple functions acting as cross-linkers, actuators,
and chiral dopants inside the network. The collective rotary motion
of motors resulted in multiple types of motion of the polymeric film,
including bending, wavy motion, fast unidirectional movement on surfaces,
and synchronized helical motion with different handedness, paving
the way for the future design of responsive materials with enhanced
complex functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Hou
- SCNU-UG International Joint Laboratory of Molecular Science and Displays, National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.,Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Guiying Long
- SCNU-UG International Joint Laboratory of Molecular Science and Displays, National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- SCNU-TUE Joint lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Information Materials and Technology & Institute of Electronic Paper Displays, South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Guofu Zhou
- SCNU-UG International Joint Laboratory of Molecular Science and Displays, National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.,SCNU-TUE Joint lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Information Materials and Technology & Institute of Electronic Paper Displays, South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Danqing Liu
- SCNU-TUE Joint lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Information Materials and Technology & Institute of Electronic Paper Displays, South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.,Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk J Broer
- SCNU-TUE Joint lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Information Materials and Technology & Institute of Electronic Paper Displays, South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.,Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Ben L Feringa
- SCNU-UG International Joint Laboratory of Molecular Science and Displays, National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.,Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jiawen Chen
- SCNU-UG International Joint Laboratory of Molecular Science and Displays, National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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141
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Aggarwal A, Li C, Stupp SI, Olvera de la Cruz M. Controlling the shape morphology of origami-inspired photoresponsive hydrogels. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:2193-2202. [PMID: 35226038 PMCID: PMC8989053 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm01751a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The concept of origami has influenced the development of responsive materials that can mimic complex functions performed by living organisms. An ultimate goal is to discover and design soft materials that can be remotely actuated into diverse structures. To achieve this goal, we design and synthesize here a light-responsive spiropyran hydrogel system that can display dynamic shape changes upon irradiation with local light. We use a continuum polymer model to analyze the behavior of the constructed photoactive hydrogel, which is in good agreement with the experimental results. We explore different buckling modalities and patterns in a different range of parameters. The synthesis and fabrication of these materials demonstrate that the theoretical model can be used to drive the development of responsive photoactive systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaveg Aggarwal
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
| | - Chuang Li
- Center for Bio-inspired Energy Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
| | - Samuel I Stupp
- Center for Bio-inspired Energy Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Simpson Querrey Institute, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Monica Olvera de la Cruz
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
- Center for Bio-inspired Energy Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
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142
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Ji Y, Yang B, Cai F, Yu H. Regulate Surface Topography of Liquid‐Crystalline Polymer by External Stimuli. MACROMOL CHEM PHYS 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/macp.202100418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yufan Ji
- School of Materials Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education Peking University Beijing 100871 P. R. China
| | - Bowen Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education Peking University Beijing 100871 P. R. China
| | - Feng Cai
- School of Materials Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education Peking University Beijing 100871 P. R. China
| | - Haifeng Yu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education Peking University Beijing 100871 P. R. China
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143
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Thermally Driven Self-Rotation of a Hollow Torus Motor. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13030434. [PMID: 35334726 PMCID: PMC8949297 DOI: 10.3390/mi13030434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Self-oscillating systems based on thermally responsive polymer materials can realize heat-mechanical transduction in a steady ambient temperature field and have huge application potential in the field of micro-active machines, micro-robotics and energy harvesters. Recently, experiments have found that a torus on a hot surface can rotate autonomously and continuously, and its rotating velocity is determined by the competition between the thermally induced driving moment and the sliding friction moment. In this article, we theoretically study the self-sustained rotation of a hollow torus on a hot surface and explore the effect of the radius ratio on its rotational angular velocity and energy efficiency. By establishing a theoretical model of heat-driven self-sustained rotation, its analytical driving moment is derived, and the equilibrium equation for its steady rotation is obtained. Numerical calculation shows that with the increase in the radius ratio, the angular velocity of its rotation monotonously increases, while the energy efficiency of the self-rotating hollow torus motor first increases and then decreases. In addition, the effects of several system parameters on the angular velocity of it are also extensively investigated. The results in this paper have a guiding role in the application of hollow torus motor in the fields of micro-active machines, thermally driven motors and waste heat harvesters.
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144
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Saed M, Gablier A, Terentjev EM. Exchangeable Liquid Crystalline Elastomers and Their Applications. Chem Rev 2022; 122:4927-4945. [PMID: 33596647 PMCID: PMC8915166 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c01057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This Review presents and discusses the current state of the art in "exchangeable liquid crystalline elastomers", that is, LCE materials utilizing dynamically cross-linked networks capable of reprocessing, reprogramming, and recycling. The focus here is on the chemistry and the specific reaction mechanisms that enable the dynamic bond exchange, of which there is a variety. We compare and contrast these different chemical mechanisms and the key properties of their resulting elastomers. In the conclusion, we discuss the most promising applications that are enabled by dynamic cross-linking and present a summary table: a library of currently available materials and their main characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohand
O. Saed
- Cavendish Laboratory, University
of Cambridge, J.J. Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K.
| | - Alexandra Gablier
- Cavendish Laboratory, University
of Cambridge, J.J. Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K.
| | - Eugene M. Terentjev
- Cavendish Laboratory, University
of Cambridge, J.J. Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K.
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145
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Fernandes Minori A, Jadhav S, Chen H, Fong S, Tolley MT. Power Amplification for Jumping Soft Robots Actuated by Artificial Muscles. Front Robot AI 2022; 9:844282. [PMID: 35308461 PMCID: PMC8927657 DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2022.844282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Robots composed of soft materials can passively adapt to constrained environments and mitigate damage due to impact. Given these features, jumping has been explored as a mode of locomotion for soft robots. However, for mesoscale jumping robots, lightweight and compact actuation are required. Previous work focused on systems powered by fluids, combustion, smart materials, electromagnetic, or electrostatic motors, which require one or more of the following: large rigid components, external power supplies, components of specific, pre-defined sizes, or fast actuation. In this work, we propose an approach to design and fabricate an electrically powered soft amplification mechanism to enable untethered mesoscale systems with continuously tunable performance. We used the tunable geometry of a liquid crystal elastomer actuator, an elastic hemispherical shell, and a pouch motor for active latching to achieve rapid motions for jumping despite the slow contraction rate of the actuator. Our system amplified the power output of the LCE actuator by a factor of 8.12 × 103 with a specific power of 26.4 W/kg and jumped to a height of 55.6 mm (with a 20 g payload). This work enables future explorations for electrically untethered soft systems capable of rapid motions (e.g., jumping).
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriane Fernandes Minori
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
- School of Computer Science, Human and Computer Interaction Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Saurabh Jadhav
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Haojin Chen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Samantha Fong
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Michael T. Tolley
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Michael T. Tolley,
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146
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Li J, Alfares A, Zheng Y. Optical Manipulation and Assembly of Micro/Nanoscale Objects on Solid Substrates. iScience 2022; 25:104035. [PMID: 35313687 PMCID: PMC8933704 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Many light-based technologies have been developed to manipulate micro/nanoscale objects such as colloidal particles and biological cells for basic research and practical applications. While most approaches such as optical tweezers are best suited for manipulation of objects in fluidic environments, optical manipulation on solid substrates has recently gained research interest for its advantages in constructing, reconfiguring, or powering solid-state devices consisting of colloidal particles as building blocks. Here, we review recent progress in optical technologies that enable versatile manipulation and assembly of micro/nanoscale objects on solid substrates. Diverse technologies based on distinct physical mechanisms, including photophoresis, photochemical isomerization, optothermal phase transition, optothermally induced surface acoustic waves, and optothermal expansion, are discussed. We conclude this review with our perspectives on the opportunities, challenges, and future directions in optical manipulation and assembly on solid substrates.
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147
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Shu Y, Sun J, Yue Y, Ye K, Lu R. Visible Light Triggered Actuators Based on the Molecular Crystals of Anthracenecarbonitrile Undergoing Reversible [4+4] Cycloaddition. CHEMPHOTOCHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/cptc.202200006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jingbo Sun
- Jilin University College of Chemistry CHINA
| | - Yuan Yue
- Jilin University College of Chemistry CHINA
| | - Kaiqi Ye
- Jilin University College of Chemistry CHINA
| | - Ran Lu
- Jilin University College of Chemistry 2519 JieFang Road 130021 Changchun CHINA
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148
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Abstract
Progress in optical manipulation has stimulated remarkable advances in a wide range of fields, including materials science, robotics, medical engineering, and nanotechnology. This Review focuses on an emerging class of optical manipulation techniques, termed heat-mediated optical manipulation. In comparison to conventional optical tweezers that rely on a tightly focused laser beam to trap objects, heat-mediated optical manipulation techniques exploit tailorable optothermo-matter interactions and rich mass transport dynamics to enable versatile control of matter of various compositions, shapes, and sizes. In addition to conventional tweezing, more distinct manipulation modes, including optothermal pulling, nudging, rotating, swimming, oscillating, and walking, have been demonstrated to enhance the functionalities using simple and low-power optics. We start with an introduction to basic physics involved in heat-mediated optical manipulation, highlighting major working mechanisms underpinning a variety of manipulation techniques. Next, we categorize the heat-mediated optical manipulation techniques based on different working mechanisms and discuss working modes, capabilities, and applications for each technique. We conclude this Review with our outlook on current challenges and future opportunities in this rapidly evolving field of heat-mediated optical manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihan Chen
- Materials Science & Engineering Program, Texas Materials Institute, and Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Jingang Li
- Materials Science & Engineering Program, Texas Materials Institute, and Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Yuebing Zheng
- Materials Science & Engineering Program, Texas Materials Institute, and Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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149
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Zhao N, Wang X, Yao L, Yan H, Qin B, Li C, Zhang J. Actuation performance of a liquid crystalline elastomer composite reinforced by eiderdown fibers. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:1264-1274. [PMID: 35044410 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm01356d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystalline elastomer (LCE) materials have been developed and investigated for several decades. One important obstacle, which impedes the practical industrial application of LCE materials, is their modest robustness as actuator materials. In this work, we developed a LCE composite which was fabricated by incorporating eiderdown fibers into a polysiloxane-based main-chain LCE matrix. The eiderdown fibers were used as the flexible reinforcement phase suitable for the shape-morphing performance of LCE materials upon being stimulated. Due to the long fiber property, specific structure and surface characteristics of the eiderdown fibers, they constructed a reinforcement network in the LCE matrix and formed tight interfacial adhesion with the matrix. The LCE composite demonstrated enhanced actuation mechanical properties and robust actuation performance. Its actuation blocking stress and modulus were increased due to the reinforcement effect of the eiderdown fibers. The tensile strength and the performance of anti-fatigue failure under repeated actuation cycles and high loadings were greatly improved due to the crack-resisting effect and bridging effect of the eiderdown fibers. While other properties, such as the liquid crystalline phase structure, the stimulus deformation ratio, phase transition temperature of the LCE matrix, etc., did not deteriorate or change due to the high flexibility, thermal stability and chemical stability of the eiderdown fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Functional Inorganic Material Chemistry, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Heilongjiang University, Harbin 150080, P. R. China.
| | - Xiuxiu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Inorganic Material Chemistry, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Heilongjiang University, Harbin 150080, P. R. China.
| | - Liru Yao
- Key Laboratory of Functional Inorganic Material Chemistry, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Heilongjiang University, Harbin 150080, P. R. China.
| | - Huixuan Yan
- Key Laboratory of Functional Inorganic Material Chemistry, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Heilongjiang University, Harbin 150080, P. R. China.
| | - Ban Qin
- Key Laboratory of Functional Inorganic Material Chemistry, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Heilongjiang University, Harbin 150080, P. R. China.
| | - Chensha Li
- Key Laboratory of Functional Inorganic Material Chemistry, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Heilongjiang University, Harbin 150080, P. R. China.
| | - Jianqi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.
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150
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Self-Sustained Collective Motion of Two Joint Liquid Crystal Elastomer Spring Oscillator Powered by Steady Illumination. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13020271. [PMID: 35208395 PMCID: PMC8876739 DOI: 10.3390/mi13020271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
For complex micro-active machines or micro-robotics, it is crucial to clarify the coupling and collective motion of their multiple self-oscillators. In this article, we construct two joint liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) spring oscillators connected by a spring and theoretically investigate their collective motion based on a well-established dynamic LCE model. The numerical calculations show that the coupled system has three steady synchronization modes: in-phase mode, anti-phase mode, and non-phase-locked mode, and the in-phase mode is more easily achieved than the anti-phase mode and the non-phase-locked mode. Meanwhile, the self-excited oscillation mechanism is elucidated by the competition between network that is achieved by the driving force and the damping dissipation. Furthermore, the phase diagram of three steady synchronization modes under different coupling stiffness and different initial states is given. The effects of several key physical quantities on the amplitude and frequency of the three synchronization modes are studied in detail, and the equivalent systems of in-phase mode and anti-phase mode are proposed. The study of the coupled LCE spring oscillators will deepen people’s understanding of collective motion and has potential applications in the fields of micro-active machines and micro-robots with multiple coupled self-oscillators.
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