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Han Y, Shi B, Xie E, Huang P, Zhou Y, Xue C, Wen W, Pu H, Zhang M, Wu J. A bio-inspired co-simulation crawling robot enabled by a carbon dot-doped dielectric elastomer. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:3436-3447. [PMID: 38564251 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00029c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Flexible actuation materials play a crucial role in biomimetic robots. Seeking methods to enhance actuation and functionality is one of the directions in which actuators strive to meet the high-performance and diverse requirements of environmental conditions. Herein, by utilizing the method of adsorbing N-doped carbon dots (NCDs) onto SiO2 to form clusters of functional particles, a NCDs@SiO2/PDMS elastomer was prepared and its combined optical and electrical co-stimulation properties were effectively harnessed to develop a biomimetic crawling robot resembling Rhagophthalmus (firefly). The introduction of NCDs@SiO2 cluster particles not only effectively improves the mechanical and dielectric properties of the elastomer but also exhibits fluorescence response and actuation response under the co-stimulation of UV and electricity, respectively. Additionally, a hybrid dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) with a transparent SWCNT mesh electrode exhibits two notable advancements: an 826% increase in out-of-plane displacement under low electric field stimulation compared to the pure matrix and the ability of NCDs to maintain a stable excited state within the polymer for an extended duration under UV-excitation. Simultaneously, the transparent biomimetic crawling robot can stealthily move in specific environments and fluoresce under UV light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubing Han
- Materials Genome Institute, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
| | - Bori Shi
- Materials Genome Institute, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
| | - En Xie
- Materials Genome Institute, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
| | - Peng Huang
- Materials Genome Institute, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
| | - Yaozhong Zhou
- Materials Genome Institute, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
| | - Chang Xue
- Materials Genome Institute, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
- Zhejiang Laboratory, Hangzhou 311100, China
| | - Weijia Wen
- HKUST Shenzhen-Hong Kong Collaborative Innovation Research Institute, Futian, Shenzhen 518031, China
- Thrust of Advanced Materials, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guang Zhou), Guang Zhou 511455, China
| | - Huayan Pu
- School of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Mengying Zhang
- Faculty of Materials Science, Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Jinbo Wu
- Materials Genome Institute, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
- Zhejiang Laboratory, Hangzhou 311100, China
- Faculty of Materials Science, Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, Shenzhen 518000, China
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2
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Wu H, Zhao C, Dai Y, Li K. Modeling of a light-fueled self-paddling boat with a liquid crystal elastomer-based motor. Phys Rev E 2024; 109:044705. [PMID: 38755847 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.109.044705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Active materials possess unique properties of being able to respond autonomously to external stimuli, yet realizing and regulating the motion behavior of active machines remains a major challenge. Conventional control approaches, including sensor control and external device control, are both complex and difficult to implement. In contrast, active materials-based self-oscillators offer distinct properties such as periodic motion and ease of regulation. Inspired by paddle boats, we have proposed a conceptual light-fueled self-paddling boat with a photothermally responsive liquid crystal elastomer (LCE)-based motor that operates under steady illumination and incorporates an LCE fiber. Based on the well-established dynamic LCE model and rotation dynamics, the dynamic equations for governing the self-paddling of the LCE-steered boat are derived, and the driving torque of the LCE-based motor and the paddling velocity of the LCE-steered boat are formulated successively. The numerical results show that two motion modes of the boat under steady illumination: the static mode and the self-paddling mode. The self-paddling regime arises from the competition between the light-fueled driving torque and the frictional torque. Moreover, the critical conditions required to trigger the self-paddling are quantitatively examined as well as the significant system parameters affecting the driving torque, angular velocity, and paddling velocity. The proposed conceptual light-fueled self-paddling LCE-steered boat exhibits benefits including customizable size and being untethered and ambient powered, which provides valuable insights into the design and application of micromachines, soft robotics, energy harvesters, and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Wu
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Chongfeng Zhao
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Yuntong Dai
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
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3
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Yu Y, Hu H, Wu H, Dai Y, Li K. A light-powered self-rotating liquid crystal elastomer drill. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27748. [PMID: 38533023 PMCID: PMC10963252 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Self-oscillating systems can directly convert ambient energy to mechanical work, and new type self-oscillating systems are worth designing for applications in energy harvesters, engines, and actuators. Taking inspiration from the hand drill, we have developed a novel self-rotating drill system, which is consist of a turnplate and a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) fiber under steady illumination. To investigate the self-rotating behaviors of the LCE drill, we have proposed a nonlinear theoretical model of the LCE drill under steady illumination based on the well-established dynamic LCE model. Numerical calculation reveals that the LCE drill can undergo a supercritical Hopf bifurcation between the static regime and the self-rotation regime. The self-rotation of drill originates from the contraction of winding portion of LCE fiber in illumination at winding state, and its continuous periodic motion is sustained by the interrelation between light energy and damping dissipation. The Hopf bifurcation conditions are also investigated in detail, as well as the vital system parameters affecting its frequency and amplitude. In contrast to the abundant existing self-oscillating systems, this self-rotating drill stands out due to its simple and lightweight structure, customizable dimensions, and high speed, and thus facilitates the design of compact and integrated systems, enhancing their applicability in microdevices and systems. This bears great significance in fields like micro-robotics, micro-sensors, and medical instruments, enabling the realization of smaller and higher-performance devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Yu
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Haoyu Hu
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Haiyang Wu
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Yuntong Dai
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
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4
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Nie ZZ, Wang M, Yang H. Self-sustainable autonomous soft actuators. Commun Chem 2024; 7:58. [PMID: 38503863 PMCID: PMC10951225 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01142-1] [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: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Self-sustainable autonomous locomotion is a non-equilibrium phenomenon and an advanced intelligence of soft-bodied organisms that exhibit the abilities of perception, feedback, decision-making, and self-sustainment. However, artificial self-sustaining architectures are often derived from algorithms and onboard modules of soft robots, resulting in complex fabrication, limited mobility, and low sensitivity. Self-sustainable autonomous soft actuators have emerged as naturally evolving systems that do not require human intervention. With shape-morphing materials integrating in their structural design, soft actuators can direct autonomous responses to complex environmental changes and achieve robust self-sustaining motions under sustained stimulation. This perspective article discusses the recent advances in self-sustainable autonomous soft actuators. Specifically, shape-morphing materials, motion characteristics, built-in negative feedback loops, and constant stimulus response patterns used in autonomous systems are summarized. Artificial self-sustaining autonomous concepts, modes, and deformation-induced functional applications of soft actuators are described. The current challenges and future opportunities for self-sustainable actuation systems are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Zhou Nie
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Materials, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Meng Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Materials, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Hong Yang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Materials, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
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5
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Deng Z, Zhang H, Priimagi A, Zeng H. Light-Fueled Nonreciprocal Self-Oscillators for Fluidic Transportation and Coupling. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2209683. [PMID: 36525600 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202209683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Light-fueled self-oscillators based on soft actuating materials have triggered novel designs for small-scale robotic constructs that self-sustain their motion at non-equilibrium states and possess bioinspired autonomy and adaptive functions. However, the motions of most self-oscillators are reciprocal, which hinders their use in sophisticated biomimetic functions such as fluidic transportation. Here, an optically powered soft material strip that can perform nonreciprocal, cilia-like, self-sustained oscillation under water is reported. The actuator is made of planar-aligned liquid crystal elastomer responding to visible light. Two laser beams from orthogonal directions allow for piecewise control over the strip deformation, enabling two self-shadowing effects coupled in one single material to yield nonreciprocal strokes. The nonreciprocity, stroke pattern and handedness are connected to the fluidic pumping efficiency, which can be controlled by the excitation conditions. Autonomous microfluidic pumping in clockwise and anticlockwise directions, translocation of a micro-object by liquid propulsion, and coupling between two oscillating strips through liquid medium interaction are demonstrated. The results offer new concepts for non-equilibrium soft actuators that can perform bio-like functions under water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Deng
- Smart Photonic Materials, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, P.O. Box 541, Tampere, FI 33101, Finland
| | - Hang Zhang
- Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, P.O. Box 15100, Espoo, FI 02150, Finland
| | - Arri Priimagi
- Smart Photonic Materials, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, P.O. Box 541, Tampere, FI 33101, Finland
| | - Hao Zeng
- Smart Photonic Materials, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, P.O. Box 541, Tampere, FI 33101, Finland
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6
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Yu Y, Hu H, Dai Y, Li K. Modeling the light-powered self-rotation of a liquid crystal elastomer fiber-based engine. Phys Rev E 2024; 109:034701. [PMID: 38632774 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.109.034701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Self-oscillating systems possess the ability to convert ambient energy directly into mechanical work, and new types of self-oscillating systems are worth designing for practical applications in energy harvesters, engines and actuators. Taking inspiration from the four-stroke engine. A concept for a self-rotating engine is presented on the basis of photothermally responsive materials, consisting of a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) fiber, a hinge and a turnplate, which can self-rotate under steady illumination. Based on the photo-thermal-mechanical model, a nonlinear theoretical model of the LCE-based engine under steady illumination is proposed to investigate its self-rotating behaviors. Numerical calculations reveal that the LCE-based engine experiences a supercritical Hopf bifurcation between the static regime and the self-rotation regime. The self-rotation of the LCE-based engine originates from the photothermally driven strain of the LCE fiber in illumination, and its continuous periodic motion is sustained by the correlation between photothermal energy and damping dissipation. The Hopf bifurcation conditions are also explored in detail, as well as the vital system parameters affecting self-rotation frequency. Compared to the abundant existing self-oscillating systems, this conceptual self-rotating LCE-based engine stands out due to its simple and lightweight structure, customizable dimensions and high speed, and it is expected to offer a broader range of design concepts applicable to soft robotics, energy harvesters, medical instruments, and so on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Yu
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Haoyu Hu
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Yuntong Dai
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
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7
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Qi W, Zhang R, Wang Z, Du H, Zhao Y, Shi B, Wang Y, Wang X, Wang P. Advances in the Application of Black Phosphorus-Based Composite Biomedical Materials in the Field of Tissue Engineering. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:242. [PMID: 38399457 PMCID: PMC10892510 DOI: 10.3390/ph17020242] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Black Phosphorus (BP) is a new semiconductor material with excellent biocompatibility, degradability, and optical and electrophysical properties. A growing number of studies show that BP has high potential applications in the biomedical field. This article aims to systematically review the research progress of BP composite medical materials in the field of tissue engineering, mining BP in bone regeneration, skin repair, nerve repair, inflammation, treatment methods, and the application mechanism. Furthermore, the paper discusses the shortcomings and future recommendations related to the development of BP. These shortcomings include stability, photothermal conversion capacity, preparation process, and other related issues. However, despite these challenges, the utilization of BP-based medical materials holds immense promise in revolutionizing the field of tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanying Qi
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China; (W.Q.); (R.Z.)
| | - Ru Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China; (W.Q.); (R.Z.)
| | - Zaishang Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541001, China;
| | - Haitao Du
- Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China; (H.D.); (Y.Z.); (Y.W.)
| | - Yiwu Zhao
- Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China; (H.D.); (Y.Z.); (Y.W.)
| | - Bin Shi
- Shandong Medicinal Biotechnology Center, Jinan 250062, China;
| | - Yi Wang
- Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China; (H.D.); (Y.Z.); (Y.W.)
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, Faculty of Light Industry, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250353, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China; (H.D.); (Y.Z.); (Y.W.)
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8
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Wu H, Zhang B, Li K. Synchronous behaviors of three coupled liquid crystal elastomer-based spring oscillators under linear temperature fields. Phys Rev E 2024; 109:024701. [PMID: 38491566 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.109.024701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Self-oscillating coupled systems possess the ability to actively absorb external environmental energy to sustain their motion. This quality endows them with autonomy and sustainability, making them have application value in the fields of synchronization and clustering, thereby furthering research and exploration in these domains. Building upon the foundation of thermal responsive liquid crystal elastomer-based (LCE-based) spring oscillators, a synchronous system comprising three LCE-based spring oscillators interconnected by springs is established. In this paper, the synchronization phenomenon is described, and the self-oscillation mechanism is revealed. The results indicate that by varying system parameters and initial conditions, three synchronization patterns emerge, namely, full synchronous mode, partial synchronous mode, and asynchronous mode. For strongly interacting systems, full synchronous mode always prevails, while for weak interactions, the adjustment of initial velocities in magnitude and direction yields the three synchronization patterns. Additionally, this study explores the impact of several system parameters, including LCE elasticity coefficient and spring elasticity coefficient, on the amplitude, frequency, and synchronous mode of the system. The findings in this paper can enhance our understanding of the synchronization behavior of multiple mutually coupled LCE-based spring oscillators, with promising applications in energy harvesting, soft robotics, signal monitoring, and various other fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Wu
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, Anhui 230601,China
| | - Biao Zhang
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, Anhui 230601,China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, Anhui 230601,China
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9
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Ling Y, Li L, Liu J, Li K, Hou C, Zhang Q, Li Y, Wang H. Air-Working Electrochromic Artificial Muscles. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2305914. [PMID: 37899672 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202305914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Artificial muscles are indispensable components for next-generation robotics to mimic the sophisticated movements of living systems and provide higher output energies when compared with real muscles. However, artificial muscles actuated by electrochemical ion injection have problems with single actuation properties and difficulties in stable operation in air. Here, air-working electrochromic artificial muscles (EAMs) with both color-changing and actuation functions are reported, which are constructed based on vanadium pentoxide nanowires and carbon tube yarn. Each EAM can generate a contractile stroke of ≈12% during stable operation in the air with multiple color changes (yellow-green-gray) under ±4 V actuation voltages. The reflectance contrast is as high as 51%, demonstrating the excellent versatility of the EAMs. In addition, a torroidal EAM arrangement with fast response and high resilience is constructed. The EAM's contractile stroke can be displayed through visual color changes, which provides new ideas for future artificial muscle applications in soft robots and artificial limbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Ling
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
| | - Linpeng Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Otolaryngology Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, P. R. China
| | - Junhao Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
| | - Kerui Li
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
| | - Chengyi Hou
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
| | - Qinghong Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Glass Manufacturing Technology Ministry of Education, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
| | - Yaogang Li
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Glass Manufacturing Technology Ministry of Education, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
| | - Hongzhi Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
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10
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Sun X, Dai Y, Li K, Xu P. Self-Sustained Chaotic Jumping of Liquid Crystal Elastomer Balloon under Steady Illumination. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4651. [PMID: 38139903 PMCID: PMC10747744 DOI: 10.3390/polym15244651] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-sustained chaotic jumping systems composed of active materials are characterized by their ability to maintain motion through drawing energy from the steady external environment, holding significant promise in actuators, medical devices, biomimetic robots, and other fields. In this paper, an innovative light-powered self-sustained chaotic jumping system is proposed, which comprises a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) balloon and an elastic substrate. The corresponding theoretical model is developed by combining the dynamic constitutive model of an LCE with Hertz contact theory. Under steady illumination, the stationary LCE balloon experiences contraction and expansion, and through the work of contact expansion between LCE balloon and elastic substrate, it ultimately jumps up from the elastic substrate, achieving self-sustained jumping. Numerical calculations reveal that the LCE balloon exhibits periodic jumping and chaotic jumping under steady illumination. Moreover, we reveal the mechanism underlying self-sustained periodic jumping of the balloon in which the damping dissipation is compensated through balloon contact with the elastic substrate, as well as the mechanism involved behind self-sustained chaotic jumping. Furthermore, we provide insights into the effects of system parameters on the self-sustained jumping behaviors. The emphasis in this study is on the self-sustained chaotic jumping system, and the variation of the balloon jumping modes with parameters is illustrated through bifurcation diagrams. This work deepens the understanding of chaotic motion, contributes to the research of motion behavior control of smart materials, and provides ideas for the bionic design of chaotic vibrators and chaotic jumping robots.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Peibao Xu
- Department of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China; (X.S.); (Y.D.); (K.L.)
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11
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Qian Y, Zhou P, Wang Y, Zheng Y, Luo Z, Chen L. A PEDOT:PSS/MXene-based actuator with self-powered sensing function by incorporating a photo-thermoelectric generator. RSC Adv 2023; 13:32722-32733. [PMID: 38022765 PMCID: PMC10630741 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra06290b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Actuators with sensing functions are becoming increasingly important in the field of soft robotics. However, most of the actuators are lack of self-powered sensing ability, which limits their applications. Here, we report a light-driven actuator with self-powered sensing function, which is designed to incorporate a photo-thermoelectric generator into the actuator based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)/MXene composite and polyimide. The actuator shows a large bending curvature of 1.8 cm-1 under near-infrared light (800 mW cm-2) irradiation for 10 s, which is attribute to photothermal expansion mismatch between PEDOT:PSS/MXene composite and polyimide. Simultaneously, the actuator shows enhanced thermoelectric properties with Seebeck coefficient of 35.7 μV K-1, which are mainly attributed to a combination of energy filtering effects between the PEDOT:PSS and MXene interfaces as well as the synergistic effect of its charge carrier migration. The output voltage of the actuator changes in accordance with the bending curvature, so as to achieve the self-powered sensing function and monitor the operating state of the actuator. Moreover, a bionic flower is fabricated, which not only simulates the blooming and closing of the flower, but also perceives the real-time actuation status through the output voltage signal. Finally, a smart Braille system is elaborately designed, which can not only simulate Braille characters for tactile recognition of the blind people, but also automatically output the voltage signal of Braille for self-powered sensing, enabling multi-channel output and conversion of light energy. This research proposes a new idea for exploring multifunctional actuators, integrated devices and self-powered soft robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqiang Qian
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Manipulation and New Energy Materials, College of Physics and Energy, Fujian Normal University Fuzhou 350117 China
- Fujian Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced High-Field Superconducting Materials and Engineering Fuzhou 350117 China
- Fujian Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Solar Energy Conversion and Energy Storage Fuzhou 350117 China
| | - Peidi Zhou
- Institute of Smart Marine and Engineering, Fujian University of Technology Fuzhou 350118 China
| | - Yi Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Manipulation and New Energy Materials, College of Physics and Energy, Fujian Normal University Fuzhou 350117 China
- Fujian Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced High-Field Superconducting Materials and Engineering Fuzhou 350117 China
- Fujian Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Solar Energy Conversion and Energy Storage Fuzhou 350117 China
| | - Ying Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics, Fuzhou Second Hospital Fuzhou 350007 China
| | - Zhiling Luo
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Manipulation and New Energy Materials, College of Physics and Energy, Fujian Normal University Fuzhou 350117 China
- Fujian Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced High-Field Superconducting Materials and Engineering Fuzhou 350117 China
- Fujian Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Solar Energy Conversion and Energy Storage Fuzhou 350117 China
| | - Luzhuo Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Manipulation and New Energy Materials, College of Physics and Energy, Fujian Normal University Fuzhou 350117 China
- Fujian Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced High-Field Superconducting Materials and Engineering Fuzhou 350117 China
- Fujian Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Solar Energy Conversion and Energy Storage Fuzhou 350117 China
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12
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Bliah O, Joe S, Reinberg R, Nardin AB, Beccai L, Magdassi S. 3D printing stretchable and compressible porous structures by polymerizable emulsions for soft robotics. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2023; 10:4976-4985. [PMID: 37622226 DOI: 10.1039/d3mh00773a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
UV-curable 3D printing compositions for the fabrication of stretchable and flexible porous structures for soft robotics are presented. The stereolithography-based printing compositions are water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions in which water droplets are the pore-forming material, and the continuous phase is a stretchable polyurethane diacrylate (PUA). The porosity of the printed objects is controlled by the material's micro-porosity and by the macro-porosity obtained by a cellular design. The mechanical behavior can be tailored by the composition of the emulsion, providing both compliance and strength while utilizing a unique optimization methodology for fitting the ink to the 3D printer. This approach enables developing materials having superior mechanical properties, with the highest reported elongation-at-break for 3D printed porous structures, 450%. The emulsion-based printing compositions were utilized for fabricating a soft robotic gripper with unique actuation performance that could not be obtained with commonly used materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ouriel Bliah
- Casali Center for Applied Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, and Center for Nanotechnology and Nanoscience Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Seonggun Joe
- Soft Biorobotics Perception Lab, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Genova, Italy.
| | - Roei Reinberg
- Casali Center for Applied Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, and Center for Nanotechnology and Nanoscience Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Anderson B Nardin
- Soft Biorobotics Perception Lab, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Genova, Italy.
- The BioRobotics Institute of the Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna (SSSA), Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Beccai
- Soft Biorobotics Perception Lab, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Genova, Italy.
| | - Shlomo Magdassi
- Casali Center for Applied Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, and Center for Nanotechnology and Nanoscience Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
- Singapore-HUJ Alliance for Research and Enterprise (SHARE), Smart Grippers for Soft Robotics (SGSR), Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, 138602
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13
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Li K, Chen J, Hu H, Wu H, Dai Y, Yu Y. A Light-Powered Liquid Crystal Elastomer Roller. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4221. [PMID: 37959899 PMCID: PMC10650120 DOI: 10.3390/polym15214221] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Achieving and controlling the desired movements of active machines is generally accomplished through precise control of artificial muscles in a distributed and serialized manner, which is a significant challenge. The emerging motion control strategy based on self-oscillation in active machines has unique advantages, including directly harvesting energy from constant ambient light, and it has no need for complex controllers. Inspired by the roller, we have innovatively developed a self-rolling roller that consists of a roller and a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) fiber. By utilizing a well-established dynamic LCE model and subjecting it to constant illumination, we have investigated the dynamic behavior of the self-rolling roller. Based on numerical calculations, it has been discovered that the roller, when subjected to steady illumination, exhibits two distinct motion regimes: the static regime and the self-rolling regime. The self-rolling regime, characterized by continuous periodic rolling, is sustained by the interaction between light energy and damping dissipation. The continuous periodic rolling observed in the self-rolling regime is maintained through the interplay between the dissipation of damping and the absorption of light energy. In the static state, the rolling angle of the roller begins to decrease rapidly and then converges to zero. Detailed investigations have been conducted to determine the critical conditions required to initiate self-rolling, as well as the essential system parameters that influence its frequency and amplitude. The proposed self-rolling roller has superiorities in its simple structure, light weight, alternative to manual labor, and speediness. This advancement is expected to inspire greater design diversity in micromachines, soft robotics, energy harvesters, and similar areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yong Yu
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China; (K.L.); (J.C.); (H.H.); (H.W.); (Y.D.)
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14
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Wang D, Chen Z, Li M, Hou Z, Zhan C, Zheng Q, Wang D, Wang X, Cheng M, Hu W, Dong B, Shi F, Sitti M. Bioinspired rotary flight of light-driven composite films. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5070. [PMID: 37604907 PMCID: PMC10442326 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40827-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Light-driven actuators have great potential in different types of applications. However, it is still challenging to apply them in flying devices owing to their slow response, small deflection and force output and low frequency response. Herein, inspired by the structure of vine maple seeds, we report a helicopter-like rotary flying photoactuator (in response to 0.6 W/cm2 near-infrared (NIR) light) with ultrafast rotation (~7200 revolutions per minute) and rapid response (~650 ms). This photoactuator is operated based on a fundamentally different mechanism that depends on the synergistic interactions between the photothermal graphene and the hygroscopic agar/silk fibroin components, the subsequent aerodynamically favorable airscrew formation, the jet propulsion, and the aerodynamics-based flying. The soft helicopter-like photoactuator exhibits controlled flight and steering behaviors, making it promising for applications in soft robotics and other miniature devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials & Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials & Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Zhaomin Chen
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials & Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Mingtong Li
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Zhen Hou
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials & Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Changsong Zhan
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials & Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Qijun Zheng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Dalei Wang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials & Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials & Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Mengjiao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials & Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Wenqi Hu
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Bin Dong
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials & Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China.
| | - Feng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials & Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Metin Sitti
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8092, Zürich, Switzerland.
- School of Medicine and College of Engineering, Koç University, 34450, Istanbul, Turkey.
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15
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Wu H, Dai Y, Li K. Self-Vibration of Liquid Crystal Elastomer Strings under Steady Illumination. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3483. [PMID: 37631540 PMCID: PMC10458575 DOI: 10.3390/polym15163483] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-vibrating systems based on active materials have been widely developed, but most of the existing self-oscillating systems are complex and difficult to control. To fulfill the requirements of different functions and applications, it is necessary to construct more self-vibrating systems that are easy to control, simple in material preparation and fast in response. This paper proposes a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) string-mass structure capable of continuous vibration under steady illumination. Based on the linear elastic model and the dynamic LCE model, the dynamic governing equations of the LCE string-mass system are established. Through numerical calculation, two regimes of the LCE string-mass system, namely the static regime and the self-vibration regime, are obtained. In addition, the light intensity, contraction coefficient and elastic coefficient of the LCE can increase the amplitude and frequency of the self-vibration, while the damping coefficient suppresses the self-oscillation. The LCE string--mass system proposed in this paper has the advantages of simple structure, easy control and customizable size, which has a wide application prospect in the fields of energy harvesting, autonomous robots, bionic instruments and medical equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kai Li
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China; (H.W.); (Y.D.)
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16
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Li K, Liu Y, Dai Y, Yu Y. Self-Vibration of a Liquid Crystal Elastomer Fiber-Cantilever System under Steady Illumination. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3397. [PMID: 37631454 PMCID: PMC10458184 DOI: 10.3390/polym15163397] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
A new type of self-oscillating system has been developed with the potential to expand its applications in fields such as biomedical engineering, advanced robotics, rescue operations, and military industries. This system is capable of sustaining its own motion by absorbing energy from the stable external environment without the need for an additional controller. The existing self-sustained oscillatory systems are relatively complex in structure and difficult to fabricate and control, thus limited in their implementation in practical and complex scenarios. In this paper, we creatively propose a novel light-powered liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) fiber-cantilever system that can perform self-sustained oscillation under steady illumination. Considering the well-established LCE dynamic model, beam theory, and deflection formula, the control equations for the self-oscillating system are derived to theoretically study the dynamics of self-vibration. The LCE fiber-cantilever system under steady illumination is found to exhibit two motion regimes, namely, the static and self-vibration regimes. The positive work done by the tension of the light-powered LCE fiber provides some compensation against the structural resistance from cantilever and the air damping. In addition, the influences of system parameters on self-vibration amplitude and frequency are also studied. The newly constructed light-powered LCE fiber-cantilever system in this paper has a simple structure, easy assembly/disassembly, easy preparation, and strong expandability as a one-dimensional fiber-based system. It is expected to meet the application requirements of practical complex scenarios and has important application value in fields such as autonomous robots, energy harvesters, autonomous separators, sensors, mechanical logic devices, and biomimetic design.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yong Yu
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
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17
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Li K, Wu H, Zhang B, Dai Y, Yu Y. Heat-Driven Synchronization in Coupled Liquid Crystal Elastomer Spring Self-Oscillators. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3349. [PMID: 37631406 PMCID: PMC10458843 DOI: 10.3390/polym15163349] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-oscillating coupled machines are capable of absorbing energy from the external environment to maintain their own motion and have the advantages of autonomy and portability, which also contribute to the exploration of the field of synchronization and clustering. Based on a thermally responsive liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) spring self-oscillator in a linear temperature field, this paper constructs a coupling and synchronization model of two self-oscillators connected by springs. Based on the existing dynamic LCE model, this paper theoretically reveals the self-oscillation mechanism and synchronization mechanism of two self-oscillators. The results show that adjusting the initial conditions and system parameters causes the coupled system to exhibit two synchronization modes: in-phase mode and anti-phase mode. The work conducted by the driving force compensates for the damping dissipation of the system, thus maintaining self-oscillation. The phase diagrams of different system parameters are drawn to illuminate the self-oscillation and synchronization mechanism. For weak interaction, changing the initial conditions may obtain the modes of in-phase and anti-phase. Under conditions of strong interactions, the system consistently exhibits an in-phase mode. Furthermore, an investigation is conducted on the influence of system parameters, such as the LCE elastic coefficient and spring elastic coefficient, on the amplitudes and frequencies of the two synchronization modes. This study aims to enhance the understanding of self-oscillator synchronization and its potential applications in areas such as energy harvesting, power generation, detection, soft robotics, medical devices and micro/nanodevices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yong Yu
- Department of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
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18
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Ge D, Dai Y, Li K. Self-Oscillating Liquid Crystal Elastomer Helical Spring Oscillator with Combined Tension and Torsion. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3294. [PMID: 37571189 PMCID: PMC10422366 DOI: 10.3390/polym15153294] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-oscillation is the autonomous maintenance of continuous periodic motion through energy absorption from non-periodic external stimuli, making it particularly attractive for fabricating soft robots, energy-absorbing devices, mass transport devices, and so on. Inspired by the self-oscillating system that presents high degrees of freedom and diverse complex oscillatory motions, we created a self-oscillating helical spring oscillator with combined tension and torsion under steady illumination, among which a mass block and a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) helical spring made with LCE wire are included. Considering the well-established helical spring model and the dynamic LCE model, a nonlinear dynamic model of the LCE helical spring oscillator under steady illumination is proposed. From numerical calculation, the helical spring oscillator upon exposure to steady illumination possesses two motion regimes, which are the static regime and the self-tension-torsion regime. Contraction of the LCE wire under illumination is necessary to generate the self-tension-torsion of the helical spring oscillator, with its continuous periodic motion being maintained by the mutual balance between light energy input and damping dissipation. Additionally, the critical conditions for triggering the self-tension-torsion, as well as the vital system parameters affecting its frequencies and amplitudes of the translation and the rotation, were investigated in detail. This self-tension-torsion helical spring oscillator is unique in its customizable mechanical properties via its structural design, small material strain but large structural displacement, and ease of manufacture. We envision a future of novel designs for soft robotics, energy harvesters, active machinery, and so on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dali Ge
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China; (D.G.); (Y.D.)
- Institute of Advanced Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Yuntong Dai
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China; (D.G.); (Y.D.)
| | - Kai Li
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China; (D.G.); (Y.D.)
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19
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Hu N, Li B, Bai R, Xie K, Chen G. A Torsion-Bending Antagonistic Bistable Actuator Enables Untethered Crawling and Swimming of Miniature Robots. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2023; 6:0116. [PMID: 37287890 PMCID: PMC10243200 DOI: 10.34133/research.0116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Miniature robots show great potential in exploring narrow and confined spaces to perform various tasks, but many applications are limited by the dependence of these robots on electrical or pneumatic tethers to power supplies outboard. Developing an onboard actuator that is small in size and powerful enough to carry all the components onboard is a major challenge to eliminate the need for a tether. Bistability can trigger a dramatic energy release during switching between the 2 stable states, thus providing a promising way to overcome the intrinsic limitation of insufficient power of small actuators. In this work, the antagonistic action between torsional deflection and bending deflection in a lamina emergent torsional joint is utilized to achieve bistability, yielding a buckling-free bistable design. The unique configuration of this bistable design enables integrating of a single bending electroactive artificial muscle in the structure to form a compact, self-switching bistable actuator. A low-voltage ionic polymer-metal composites artificial muscle is employed, yielding a bistable actuator capable of generating an instantaneous angular velocity exceeding 300 °/s by a 3.75-V voltage. Two untethered robotic demonstrations using the bistable actuator are presented, including a crawling robot (gross weight of 2.7 g, including actuator, battery, and on-board circuit) that can generate a maximum instantaneous velocity of 40 mm/s and a swimming robot equipped with a pair of origami-inspired paddles that swims breaststroke. The low-voltage bistable actuator shows potential for achieving autonomous motion of various fully untethered miniature robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robots, School of Mechanical Engineering,
Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Bo Li
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robots, School of Mechanical Engineering,
Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Ruiyu Bai
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robots, School of Mechanical Engineering,
Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Kai Xie
- School of Aerospace Science and Technology,
Xidian University, Xi’an 710126, China
| | - Guimin Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robots, School of Mechanical Engineering,
Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
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20
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Liu J, Zhao J, Wu H, Dai Y, Li K. Self-Oscillating Curling of a Liquid Crystal Elastomer Beam under Steady Light. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15020344. [PMID: 36679225 PMCID: PMC9863816 DOI: 10.3390/polym15020344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-oscillation absorbs energy from a steady environment to maintain its own continuous motion, eliminating the need to carry a power supply and controller, which will make the system more lightweight and promising for applications in energy harvesting, soft robotics, and microdevices. In this paper, we present a self-oscillating curling liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) beam-mass system, which is placed on a table and can self-oscillate under steady light. Unlike other self-sustaining systems, the contact surface of the LCE beam with the tabletop exhibits a continuous change in size during self-sustaining curling, resulting in a dynamic boundary problem. Based on the dynamic LCE model, we establish a nonlinear dynamic model of the self-oscillating curling LCE beam considering the dynamic boundary conditions, and numerically calculate its dynamic behavior using the Runge-Kutta method. The existence of two motion patterns in the LCE beam-mass system under steady light are proven by numerical calculation, namely self-curling pattern and stationary pattern. When the energy input to the system exceeds the energy dissipated by air damping, the LCE beam undergoes self-oscillating curling. Furthermore, we investigate the effects of different dimensionless parameters on the critical conditions, the amplitude and the period of the self-curling of LCE beam. Results demonstrate that the light source height, curvature coefficient, light intensity, elastic modulus, damping factor, and gravitational acceleration can modulate the self-curling amplitude and period. The self-curling LCE beam system proposed in this study can be applied to autonomous robots, energy harvesters, and micro-instruments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxiu Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Building Structure and Underground Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
- College of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Junjie Zhao
- College of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Haiyang Wu
- College of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Yuntong Dai
- College of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Kai Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Building Structure and Underground Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
- College of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
- Correspondence:
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21
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Ge D, Dai Y, Li K. Self-Sustained Euler Buckling of an Optically Responsive Rod with Different Boundary Constraints. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15020316. [PMID: 36679197 PMCID: PMC9862129 DOI: 10.3390/polym15020316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-sustained oscillations can directly absorb energy from the constant environment to maintain its periodic motion by self-regulating. As a classical mechanical instability phenomenon, the Euler compression rod can rapidly release elastic strain energy and undergo large displacement during buckling. In addition, its boundary configuration is usually easy to be modulated. In this paper, we develop a self-sustained Euler buckling system based on optically responsive liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) rod with different boundary constraints. The buckling of LCE rod results from the light-induced expansion and compressive force, and the self-buckling is maintained by the energy competition between the damping dissipation and the net work done by the effective elastic force. Based on the dynamic LCE model, the governing equations for dynamic Euler buckling of the LCE rod is formulated, and the approximate admissible trigonometric functions and Runge-Kutta method are used to solve the dynamic Euler buckling. Under different illumination parameters, there exists two motion modes of the Euler rod: the static mode and the self-buckling mode, including alternating and unilateral self-buckling modes. The triggering conditions, frequency, and amplitude of the self-sustained Euler buckling can be modulated by several system parameters and boundary constraints. Results indicate that strengthening the boundary constraint can increase the frequency and reduce the amplitude. It is anticipated that this system may open new avenues for energy harvesters, signal sensors, mechano-logistic devices, and autonomous robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dali Ge
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
- Institute of Advanced Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Yuntong Dai
- 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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22
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Oscillating light engine realized by photothermal solvent evaporation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5621. [PMID: 36153322 PMCID: PMC9509359 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33374-x] [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: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Continuous mechanical work output can be generated by using combustion engines and electric motors, as well as actuators, through on/off control via external stimuli. Solar energy has been used to generate electricity and heat in human daily life; however, the direct conversion of solar energy to continuous mechanical work has not been realized. In this work, a solar engine is developed using an oscillating actuator, which is realized through an alternating volume decrease of each side of a polypropylene/carbon black polymer film induced by photothermal-derived solvent evaporation. The anisotropic solvent evaporation and fast gradient diffusion in the polymer film sustains oscillating bending actuation under the illumination of divergent light. This light-driven oscillator shows excellent oscillation performance, excellent loading capability, and high energy conversion efficiency, and it can never stop with solvent supply. The oscillator can cyclically lift up a load and output work, exhibiting a maximum specific work of 30.9 × 10−5 J g−1 and a maximum specific power of 15.4 × 10−5 W g−1 under infrared light. This work can inspire the development of autonomous devices and provide a design strategy for solar engines. Developing an oscillating actuator that can directly convert solar energy into mechanical energy is highly desirable. Here, authors report a solvent-assisted light-driven oscillator by porous film that achieves excellent oscillating actuation performance and can even oscillate by carrying a load under light irradiation.
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23
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Duan Z, Liu D, Ye Z, Sun C, Wang Z, Chen K, Li Y, Huang H, Zeng X, Wang J, Sun R, Yu XF. Black Phosphorus/Carbon Nanoframes for Efficient Flexible All-Solid-State Supercapacitor. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:3311. [PMID: 36234437 PMCID: PMC9565270 DOI: 10.3390/nano12193311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A flexible all-solid-state supercapacitor with fast charging speed and high power density is a promising high-performance energy storage and sensor device in photovoltaic systems. Two-dimensional black phosphorus (BP) is a prospective electrode nanomaterial, but it struggles to fully exert its properties limited by its self-stacking. Herein, by embedding carbon nanoparticles into the interlayer of BP microplates, the designed BP/carbon nanoframe (BP/C NF) forms a certain nano-gap on the substrate for promoting the orderly transport of charges. The corresponding supercapacitor BP/C SC has a capacity of 372 F g-1, which is higher than that constructed from BP microplates (32.6 F g-1). Moreover, the BP/C SC exhibits good stability with a ca. 90% of capacitance retentions after 10,000 repeated bending and long-term cycles. Thus, the proposed strategy of using BP/carbon nanoframes is feasible to develop exceptional flexible energy devices, and it can guide the design of relevant two-dimensional nanocomposites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zunbin Duan
- Shenzhen Engineering Center for the Fabrication of Two-Dimensional Atomic Crystals, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Danni Liu
- Shenzhen Engineering Center for the Fabrication of Two-Dimensional Atomic Crystals, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zhaoer Ye
- Shenzhen Engineering Center for the Fabrication of Two-Dimensional Atomic Crystals, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Nano Science and Technology Institute, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou 215125, China
| | - Caixia Sun
- Shenzhen Engineering Center for the Fabrication of Two-Dimensional Atomic Crystals, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Department of Hematology, Zhanjiang Central Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524045, China
| | - Zikun Wang
- Shenzhen Engineering Center for the Fabrication of Two-Dimensional Atomic Crystals, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Nano Science and Technology Institute, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou 215125, China
| | - Kezhen Chen
- Shenzhen Engineering Center for the Fabrication of Two-Dimensional Atomic Crystals, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yang Li
- Shenzhen Engineering Center for the Fabrication of Two-Dimensional Atomic Crystals, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Hao Huang
- Shenzhen Engineering Center for the Fabrication of Two-Dimensional Atomic Crystals, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xiaoliang Zeng
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Electronic Materials, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jiahong Wang
- Shenzhen Engineering Center for the Fabrication of Two-Dimensional Atomic Crystals, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Rong Sun
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Electronic Materials, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xue-Feng Yu
- Shenzhen Engineering Center for the Fabrication of Two-Dimensional Atomic Crystals, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
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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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Self-Jumping of a Liquid Crystal Elastomer Balloon under Steady Illumination. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14142770. [PMID: 35890544 PMCID: PMC9319439 DOI: 10.3390/polym14142770] [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: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-oscillation capable of maintaining periodic motion upon constant stimulus has potential applications in the fields of autonomous robotics, energy-generation devices, mechano-logistic devices, sensors, and so on. Inspired by the active jumping of kangaroos and frogs in nature, we proposed a self-jumping liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) balloon under steady illumination. Based on the balloon contact model and dynamic LCE model, a nonlinear dynamic model of a self-jumping LCE balloon under steady illumination was formulated and numerically calculated by the Runge–Kutta method. The results indicated that there exist two typical motion regimes for LCE balloon under steady illumination: the static regime and the self-jumping regime. The self-jumping of LCE balloon originates from its expansion during contact with a rigid surface, and the self-jumping can be maintained by absorbing light energy to compensate for the damping dissipation. In addition, the critical conditions for triggering self-jumping and the effects of several key system parameters on its frequency and amplitude were investigated in detail. The self-jumping LCE hollow balloon with larger internal space has greater potential to carry goods or equipment, and may open a new insight into the development of mobile robotics, soft robotics, sensors, controlled drug delivery, and other miniature device applications.
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Zhang J, Sun D, Zhang B, Sun Q, Zhang Y, Liu S, Wang Y, Liu C, Chen J, Chen J, Song Y, Liu X. Intrinsic carbon nanotube liquid crystalline elastomer photoactuators for high-definition biomechanics. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2022; 9:1045-1056. [PMID: 35040453 DOI: 10.1039/d1mh01810h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Photoresponsive soft actuators with the unique merits of flexibility, contactless operation, and remote control have huge potential in technological applications of bionic robotics and biomedical devices. Herein, a facile strategy was proposed to prepare an intrinsically-photoresponsive elastomer by chemically grafting carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into a thermally-sensitive liquid-crystalline elastomer (LCE) network. Highly effective dispersion and nematic orientation of CNTs in the intrinsic LCE matrix were observed to yield anchoring energies ranging from 1.65 × 10-5 J m-2 to 5.49 × 10-7 J m-2, which significantly enhanced the mechanical and photothermal properties of the photoresponsive elastomer. When embedding an ultralow loading of CNTs (0.1 wt%), the tensile strength of the LCE increased by 420% to 13.89 MPa (||) and 530% to 3.94 MPa (⊥) and exhibited a stable response to repeated alternating cooling and heating cycles, as well as repeated UV and infrared irradiation. Furthermore, the shape transformation, locomotion, and photo-actuation capabilities allow the CNT/LCE actuator to be applied in high-definition biomechanical applications, such as phototactic flowers, serpentine robots and artificial muscles. This design strategy may provide a promising method to manufacture high-precision, remote-control smart devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juzhong Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan Key Laboratory of Advanced Nylon Materials and Application, Henan Innovation Center for Functional Polymer Membrane Materials, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Dandan Sun
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan Key Laboratory of Advanced Nylon Materials and Application, Henan Innovation Center for Functional Polymer Membrane Materials, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Bin Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan Key Laboratory of Advanced Nylon Materials and Application, Henan Innovation Center for Functional Polymer Membrane Materials, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Qingqing Sun
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan Key Laboratory of Advanced Nylon Materials and Application, Henan Innovation Center for Functional Polymer Membrane Materials, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Yang Zhang
- Center of Advanced Analysis & Gene Sequencing, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Shuiren Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan Key Laboratory of Advanced Nylon Materials and Application, Henan Innovation Center for Functional Polymer Membrane Materials, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Yaming Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Advanced Polymer Processing Technology, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Processing & Mold, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Chuntai Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Advanced Polymer Processing Technology, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Processing & Mold, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jinzhou Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan Key Laboratory of Advanced Nylon Materials and Application, Henan Innovation Center for Functional Polymer Membrane Materials, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Jingbo Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan Key Laboratory of Advanced Nylon Materials and Application, Henan Innovation Center for Functional Polymer Membrane Materials, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Yanlin Song
- Key Laboratory of Green Printing, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongguancun North First Street 2, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Xuying Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan Key Laboratory of Advanced Nylon Materials and Application, Henan Innovation Center for Functional Polymer Membrane Materials, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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Fang J, Zhuang Y, Liu K, Chen Z, Liu Z, Kong T, Xu J, Qi C. A Shift from Efficiency to Adaptability: Recent Progress in Biomimetic Interactive Soft Robotics in Wet Environments. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2104347. [PMID: 35072360 PMCID: PMC8922102 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202104347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Research field of soft robotics develops exponentially since it opens up many imaginations, such as human-interactive robot, wearable robots, and transformable robots in unpredictable environments. Wet environments such as sea and in vivo represent dynamic and unstructured environments that adaptive soft robots can reach their potentials. Recent progresses in soft hybridized robotics performing tasks underwater herald a diversity of interactive soft robotics in wet environments. Here, the development of soft robots in wet environments is reviewed. The authors recapitulate biomimetic inspirations, recent advances in soft matter materials, representative fabrication techniques, system integration, and exemplary functions for underwater soft robots. The authors consider the key challenges the field faces in engineering material, software, and hardware that can bring highly intelligent soft robots into real world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jielun Fang
- College of Mechatronics and Control EngineeringShenzhen UniversityShenzhen518000China
| | - Yanfeng Zhuang
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringSchool of MedicineShenzhen UniversityShenzhenGuangdong518000China
| | - Kailang Liu
- College of Mechatronics and Control EngineeringShenzhen UniversityShenzhen518000China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical EngineeringDepartment of Chemical EngineeringTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Zhou Liu
- College of Chemistry and Environmental EngineeringShenzhen UniversityShenzhenGuangdong518000China
| | - Tiantian Kong
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringSchool of MedicineShenzhen UniversityShenzhenGuangdong518000China
| | - Jianhong Xu
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical EngineeringDepartment of Chemical EngineeringTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Cheng Qi
- College of Mechatronics and Control EngineeringShenzhen UniversityShenzhen518000China
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Chang L, Wang D, Jiang A, Hu Y. Soft Actuators Based On Carbon Nanomaterials. Chempluschem 2022; 87:e202100437. [PMID: 35103423 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202100437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Inspired by the sophisticated design of biological systems, interest in soft intelligent actuators has increased significantly in recent years, providing attractive strategies for the design of elaborate soft mechanical systems. For the construction of those soft actuators, carbon nanomaterials were extensively and successfully explored for the properties of highly conductive, electrothermal, and photothermal conversion. This review aims to trace the recent achievements for the material and structural design as well as the general mechanisms of the soft actuators, paying particular attention to the contribution of carbon nanomaterials resulted from their diversified interplaying properties, which realized the flexible and dexterous deformation responding to various environmental stimuli, including light, electricity and humidity. The properties and mechanisms of soft actuators are summarized and the potential for future applications and research are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Chang
- Anhui Province Key Lab of Aerospace Structural Parts Forming Technology and Equipment, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, P. R. China
- Anhui Province Key Lab of Advanced Functional Materials and Devices, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, P. R. China
| | - Dongping Wang
- Anhui Province Key Lab of Aerospace Structural Parts Forming Technology and Equipment, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, P. R. China
| | - Ajuan Jiang
- Anhui Province Key Lab of Aerospace Structural Parts Forming Technology and Equipment, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, P. R. China
| | - Ying Hu
- Anhui Province Key Lab of Aerospace Structural Parts Forming Technology and Equipment, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, P. R. China
- Anhui Province Key Lab of Advanced Functional Materials and Devices, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, P. R. China
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Wei J, Jia S, Guan J, Ma C, Shao Z. Robust and Highly Sensitive Cellulose Nanofiber-Based Humidity Actuators. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:54417-54427. [PMID: 34734698 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c17894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The design of humidity actuators with high response sensitivity (especially actuation time) while maintaining favorable mechanical properties is important for advanced intelligent manufacturing, like soft robotics and smart devices, but still remains a challenge. Here, we fabricate a robust and conductive composite film-based humidity actuator with synergetic benefits from one-dimensional cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as well as two-dimensional graphene oxide (GO) via an efficient vacuum-assisted self-assembly method. Owing to the excellent moisture sensitivity of CNF and GO, the hydrophobic CNT favoring rapid desorption of water molecules, and the unique porous structure with numerous nanochannels for accelerating the water exchange rate, this CNF/GO/CNT composite film delivers excellent actuation including an ultrafast response/recovery (0.8/2 s), large deformation, and sufficient cycle stability (no detectable degradation after 1000 cycles) in response to ambient gradient humidity. Intriguingly, the actuator could also achieve a superior flexibility, a good mechanical strength (201 MPa), a desirable toughness (6.6 MJ/m3), and stable electrical conductivity. Taking advantage of these benefits, the actuator is conceptually fabricated into various smart devices including mechanical grippers, crawling robotics, and humidity control switches, which is expected to hold great promise toward practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wei
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Cellulose and Its Derivatives, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, P. R. China
| | - Shuai Jia
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Cellulose and Its Derivatives, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, P. R. China
| | - Jie Guan
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Cellulose and Its Derivatives, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, P. R. China
| | - Chao Ma
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Wood Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, No. 35 Tsinghua East Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
| | - Ziqiang Shao
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Cellulose and Its Derivatives, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, P. R. China
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