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Liang L, Yang X, Li C, Yu R, Zhang B, Yang Y, Ji G. MXene-Enabled Pneumatic Multiscale Shape Morphing for Adaptive, Programmable and Multimodal Radar-infrared Compatible Camouflage. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2313939. [PMID: 38578586 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202313939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Achieving radar-infrared compatible camouflage with dynamic adaptability has been a long-sought goal, but faces significant challenges owing to the limited dispersion relations of conventional material systems operating in different wavelength ranges. Here, this work proposes the concept of pneumatic multiscale shape morphing and design a periodically arranged pneumatic unit consisting of MXene-based morphable conductors and intake platforms. During gas actuation, the morphable conductor transforms centimeter-scale 2D flat sheets into 3D balloon shapes to enhance microwave absorption behavior, and also reconfigures micrometer-scale MXene wrinkles into smooth planes in combination with cavity-induced low heat transfer to minimize infrared (IR) signatures. Through theory-guided reverse engineering, the final pneumatic matrix shows remarkable frequency tunability (2.64-18.0 GHz), moderate IR emissivity regulation (0.14 at 7-16.5 µm), rapid responsiveness (≈30 ms), wide-angle operation (>45°), and excellent environmental tolerance. Additionally, the multiplexed pneumatic matrix enables over 14 programmable coding sequences that independently alter thermal radiation without compromising radar stealth, and allows multimodal camouflage switching between three distinct compatible states. The approach may facilitate the evolution of camouflage techniques and electromagnetic functional materials toward multispectral, adaptability and intelligence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Liang
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, P. R. China
| | - Xiuyue Yang
- College of Materials Science and Technology, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, 210016, P. R. China
| | - Chen Li
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, P. R. China
| | - Ruoling Yu
- College of Materials Science and Technology, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, 210016, P. R. China
| | - Baoshan Zhang
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, P. R. China
| | - Yi Yang
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, P. R. China
| | - Guangbin Ji
- College of Materials Science and Technology, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, 210016, P. R. China
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Zhao W, Wu B, Lei Z, Wu P. Hydrogels with Differentiated Hydrogen-Bonding Networks for Bioinspired Stress Response. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202400531. [PMID: 38546292 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202400531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Stress response, an intricate and autonomously coordinated reaction in living organisms, holds a reversible, multi-path, and multi-state nature. However, existing stimuli-responsive materials often exhibit single-step and monotonous reactions due to the limited integration of structural components. Inspired by the cooperative interplay of extensor and flexor cells within Mimosa's pulvini, we present a hydrogel with differentiated hydrogen-bonding (H-bonding) networks designed to enable the biological stress response. Weak H-bonding domains resemble flexor cells, confined within a hydrophobic network stabilized by strong H-bonding clusters (acting like extensor cells). Under external force, strong H-bonding clusters are disrupted, facilitating water diffusion from the bottom layer and enabling transient expansion pressure gradient along the thickness direction. Subsequently, water diffuses upward, gradually equalizing the pressure, while weak H-bonding domains undergo cooperative elastic deformation. Consequently, the hydrogel autonomously undergoes a sequence of reversible and pluralistic motion responses, similar to Mimosa's touch-triggered stress response. Intriguingly, it exhibits stress-dependent color shifts under polarized light, highlighting its potential for applications in time-sensitive "double-lock" information encryption systems. This work achieves the coordinated stress response inspired by natural tissues using a simple hydrogel, paving the way for substantial advancements in the development of intelligent soft robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Baohu Wu
- Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS), Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ) Forschungszentrum Jülich, Lichtenbergstr, Garching, 185748, Germany
| | - Zhouyue Lei
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Peiyi Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
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Jing S, Huang J, Wang H, Wang Y, Xie H, Zhou S. A Solvent-Templated Porous Liquid Crystal Elastomer with Tactile Sensation beyond Reversible Actuation toward Versatile Artificial Muscles. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024. [PMID: 38692284 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c03930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs), as a classical two-way shape-memory material, are good candidates for developing artificial muscles that mimic the contraction, expansion, or rotational behavior of natural muscles. However, biomimicry is currently focused more on the actuation functions of natural muscles dominated by muscle fibers, whereas the tactile sensing functions that are dominated by neuronal receptors and synapses have not been well captured. Very few studies have reported the sensing concept for LCEs, but the signals were still donated by macroscopic actuation, that is, variations in angle or length. Herein, we develop a conductive porous LCE (CPLCE) using a solvent (dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO))-templated photo-cross-linking strategy, followed by carbon nanotube (CNT) incorporation. The CPLCE has excellent reversible contraction/elongation behavior in a manner similar to the actuation functions of skeletal muscles. Moreover, the CPLCE shows excellent pressure-sensing performance by providing real-time electrical signals and is capable of microtouch sensing, which is very similar to natural tactile sensing. Furthermore, macroscopic actuation and tactile sensation can be integrated into a single system. Proof-of-concept studies reveal that the CPLCE-based artificial muscle is sensitive to external touch while maintaining its excellent actuation performance. The CPLCE with tactile sensation beyond reversible actuation is expected to benefit the development of versatile artificial muscles and intelligent robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirong Jing
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Jinhui Huang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Yilei Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Hui Xie
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Shaobing Zhou
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
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Xu Y, Zhang X, Song Z, Chen X, Huang Y, Wang J, Li B, Huang S, Li Q. In situ Light-Writable Orientation Control in Liquid Crystal Elastomer Film Enabled by Chalcones. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202319698. [PMID: 38190301 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202319698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are stimulus-responsive materials with intrinsic anisotropy. However, it is still challenging to in situ program the mesogen alignment to realize three-dimensional (3D) deformations with high-resolution patterned structures. This work presents a feasible strategy to program the anisotropy of LCEs by using chalcone mesogens that can undergo a photoinduced cycloaddition reaction under linear polarized light. It is shown that by controlling the polarization director and the irradiation region, patterned alignment distribution in a freestanding LCE film can be created, which leads to complex and reversible 3D shape-morphing behaviors. The work demonstrates an in situ light-writing method to achieve sophisticated topography changes in LCEs, which has potential applications in encryption, sensors, and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyi Xu
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Xinfang Zhang
- Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH-44242, USA
| | - Zhenpeng Song
- College of Electronic and Optical Engineering & College of Flexible Electronics (Future Technology), Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Yinliang Huang
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Jinyu Wang
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Bingxiang Li
- College of Electronic and Optical Engineering & College of Flexible Electronics (Future Technology), Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Shuai Huang
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Quan Li
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
- Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH-44242, USA
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Lei B, Wen ZY, Wang HK, Gao J, Chen LJ. Bioinspired Jumping Soft Actuators of the Liquid Crystal Elastomer Enabled by Photo-Mechanical Coupling. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:1596-1604. [PMID: 38153381 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c16530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Jumping, a fundamental survival behavior observed in organisms, serves as a vital mechanism for adapting to the surrounding environment and overcoming significant obstacles within a given terrain. Here, we present a light-controlled soft jumping actuator inspired by asphondylia, which employs a closed-loop structure and utilizes a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE). Photo-mechanical coupling highlights the significant influence of the light source on the actuator's jumping behavior. Manipulating the light intensity, the relative position of stimulus and light lock, and the concentration of disperse red 1 (DR1) allows precise control over both the maximum take-off velocity and jump height. Furthermore, tailoring the size of the LCE actuator offers a means of regulating jumping behavior. Upon exposure to 460 nm LED irradiation, our actuator achieves remarkable performance, with a maximum jumping height of 10 body length (BL) and take-off velocity of 62 BL/s. These actuators accumulate and rapidly release energy, enabling the effective transportation of microcargos across substantial distances. Our research yields valuable insights into the realm of soft robotics, underscoring the pivotal importance of photo-mechanical coupling in the field of soft robotics, thereby serving as a catalyst for inspiring continued exploration of agile and capable systems by prestoring elastic energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Lei
- Department of Electronic Engineering, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Fujian Key Laboratory of Ultrafast Laser Technology and Applications, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Zhi-Yuan Wen
- Department of Electronic Engineering, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Fujian Key Laboratory of Ultrafast Laser Technology and Applications, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Hua-Kun Wang
- Department of Civil Engineering, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Fujian Key Laboratory of Digital Simulations for Coastal Civil Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Department of Civil Engineering, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Fujian Key Laboratory of Digital Simulations for Coastal Civil Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Lu-Jian Chen
- Department of Electronic Engineering, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Fujian Key Laboratory of Ultrafast Laser Technology and Applications, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
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