1
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Yang L, Zhang Y, Cai W, Tan J, Hansen H, Wang H, Chen Y, Zhu M, Mu J. Electrochemically-driven actuators: from materials to mechanisms and from performance to applications. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:5956-6010. [PMID: 38721851 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00906h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Soft actuators, pivotal for converting external energy into mechanical motion, have become increasingly vital in a wide range of applications, from the subtle engineering of soft robotics to the demanding environments of aerospace exploration. Among these, electrochemically-driven actuators (EC actuators), are particularly distinguished by their operation through ion diffusion or intercalation-induced volume changes. These actuators feature notable advantages, including precise deformation control under electrical stimuli, freedom from Carnot efficiency limitations, and the ability to maintain their actuated state with minimal energy use, akin to the latching state in skeletal muscles. This review extensively examines EC actuators, emphasizing their classification based on diverse material types, driving mechanisms, actuator configurations, and potential applications. It aims to illuminate the complicated driving mechanisms of different categories, uncover their underlying connections, and reveal the interdependencies among materials, mechanisms, and performances. We conduct an in-depth analysis of both conventional and emerging EC actuator materials, casting a forward-looking lens on their trajectories and pinpointing areas ready for innovation and performance enhancement strategies. We also navigate through the challenges and opportunities within the field, including optimizing current materials, exploring new materials, and scaling up production processes. Overall, this review aims to provide a scientifically robust narrative that captures the current state of EC actuators and sets a trajectory for future innovation in this rapidly advancing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixue Yang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, 135 Yaguan Road, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Yiyao Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, 135 Yaguan Road, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Wenting Cai
- School of Chemistry, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Junlong Tan
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, 135 Yaguan Road, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Heather Hansen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Hongzhi Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China.
- Shanghai Dianji University, 201306, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Chen
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, 135 Yaguan Road, Tianjin 300350, China.
- Key Laboratory of Mechanism Theory and Equipment Design of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, 135 Yaguan Road, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Meifang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China.
| | - Jiuke Mu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, 135 Yaguan Road, Tianjin 300350, China.
- Key Laboratory of Mechanism Theory and Equipment Design of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, 135 Yaguan Road, Tianjin 300350, China.
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2
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Zhang H, Ma S, Xu C, Ma J, Chen Y, Hu Y, Xu H, Lin Z, Liang Y, Ren L, Ren L. Soft Actuator with Biomass Porous Electrode: A Strategy for Lowering Voltage and Enhancing Durability. NANO LETTERS 2024. [PMID: 38592087 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c01129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Electroactive artificial muscles with deformability have attracted widespread interest in the field of soft robotics. However, the design of artificial muscles with low-driven voltage and operational durability remains challenging. Herein, novel biomass porous carbon (BPC) electrodes are proposed. The nanoporous BPC enables the electrode to provide exposed active surfaces for charge transfer and unimpeded channels for ion migration, thus decreasing the driving voltage, enhancing time durability, and maintaining the actuation performances simultaneously. The proposed actuator exhibits a high displacement of 13.6 mm (bending strain of 0.54%) under 0.5 V and long-term durability of 99.3% retention after 550,000 cycles (∼13 days) without breaks. Further, the actuators are integrated to perform soft touch on a smartphone and demonstrated as bioinspired robots, including a bionic butterfly and a crawling robot (moving speed = 0.08 BL s-1). This strategy provides new insight into the design and fabrication of high-performance electroactive soft actuators with great application potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China
| | - Suqian Ma
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China
- Institute of Structured and Architected Materials, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang 110167, China
| | - Chuhan Xu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jiayao Ma
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yan Chen
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yong Hu
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China
| | - Hui Xu
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China
| | - Zhaohua Lin
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China
| | - Yunhong Liang
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China
- Institute of Structured and Architected Materials, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang 110167, China
| | - Lei Ren
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China
- Institute of Structured and Architected Materials, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang 110167, China
| | - Luquan Ren
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China
- Institute of Structured and Architected Materials, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang 110167, China
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3
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Zhang J, Jing Q, Wade T, Xu Z, Ives L, Zhang D, Baumberg JJ, Kar-Narayan S. Controllable Multimodal Actuation in Fully Printed Ultrathin Micro-Patterned Electrochemical Actuators. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:6485-6494. [PMID: 38266382 PMCID: PMC10859886 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c19006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Submillimeter or micrometer scale electrically controlled soft actuators have immense potential in microrobotics, haptics, and biomedical applications. However, the fabrication of miniaturized and micropatterned open-air soft actuators has remained challenging. In this study, we demonstrate the microfabrication of trilayer electrochemical actuators (ECAs) through aerosol jet printing (AJP), a rapid prototyping method with a 10 μm lateral resolution. We make fully printed 1000 × 5000 × 12 μm3 ultrathin ECAs, each of which comprises a Nafion electrolyte layer sandwiched between two poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) electrode layers. The ECAs actuate due to the electric-field-driven migration of hydrated protons. Due to the thinness that gives rise to a low proton transport length and a low flexural rigidity, the printed ECAs can operate under low voltages (∼0.5 V) and have a relatively fast response (∼seconds). We print all the components of an actuator that consists of two individually controlled submillimeter segments and demonstrate its multimodal actuation. The convenience, versatility, rapidity, and low cost of our microfabrication strategy promise future developments in integrating arrays of intricately patterned individually controlled soft microactuators on compact stretchable electronic circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Zhang
- Department
of Materials Science & Metallurgy, University
of Cambridge, 27 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge CB3 0FS, U.K.
- NanoPhotonics
Centre, Cavendish Laboratory, University
of Cambridge, JJ Thomson
Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K.
| | - Qingshen Jing
- Department
of Materials Science & Metallurgy, University
of Cambridge, 27 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge CB3 0FS, U.K.
- James
Watt School of Engineering, University of
Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8LT, U.K.
| | - Tom Wade
- Department
of Materials Science & Metallurgy, University
of Cambridge, 27 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge CB3 0FS, U.K.
| | - Zhencheng Xu
- Department
of Materials Science & Metallurgy, University
of Cambridge, 27 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge CB3 0FS, U.K.
| | - Liam Ives
- Department
of Materials Science & Metallurgy, University
of Cambridge, 27 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge CB3 0FS, U.K.
| | - Diandian Zhang
- Department
of Materials Science & Metallurgy, University
of Cambridge, 27 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge CB3 0FS, U.K.
| | - Jeremy J. Baumberg
- NanoPhotonics
Centre, Cavendish Laboratory, University
of Cambridge, JJ Thomson
Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K.
| | - Sohini Kar-Narayan
- Department
of Materials Science & Metallurgy, University
of Cambridge, 27 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge CB3 0FS, U.K.
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4
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Hyeon JS, Kim S, Song GH, Moon JH, Park JW, Baughman RH, Kim SJ. High-Performance One-Body Electrochemical Torsional Artificial Muscles Built Using Carbon Nanotubes and Ion-Exchange Polymers. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:59939-59945. [PMID: 38087433 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c14772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Electrochemical torsional artificial muscles have the potential to replace electric motors in the field of miniaturization. In particular, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are some of the best materials for electrochemical torsional artificial muscles due to their remarkable mechanical strength and high electrical conductivity. However, previous studies on CNT torsional muscle utilize only half of the whole potential range for torsional actuation because the actuations in the positive and negative voltage ranges offset each other. Here, we used an ion-exchange polymer, poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS), which leads to the participation of only positive ions in the actuation of CNT muscles so that the whole potential range can be used for torsional actuation. As a result, PSS-coated CNT muscle can provide 1.9 times higher torsional actuation compared to neat CNT torsional muscle. This PSS-coated CNT muscle not only provides high performance but also facilitates a one-body system for electrochemical torsional actuation. From these advantages, we implement a one-body torsional muscle for the realization of the forward motion of a model boat. This high performance and one-body structure for electrochemical torsional muscles can be used for further applications, such as soft robotics and implantable devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Sang Hyeon
- Center for Self-Powered Actuation, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, South Korea
| | - Seongjun Kim
- Center for Self-Powered Actuation, Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, South Korea
| | - Gyu Hyeon Song
- Center for Self-Powered Actuation, Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, South Korea
| | - Ji Hwan Moon
- Center for Self-Powered Actuation, Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, South Korea
| | - Jong Woo Park
- Center for Self-Powered Actuation, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, South Korea
| | - Ray H Baughman
- Alan G. MacDiarmid NanoTech Institute, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, United States
| | - Seon Jeong Kim
- Center for Self-Powered Actuation, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, South Korea
- Center for Self-Powered Actuation, Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, South Korea
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5
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Li Y, Yu P, Ma W, Mao L. High-Performance Electrochemical Actuator under an Ultralow Driving Voltage with a Mixed Electronic-Ionic Conductive Metal-Organic Framework. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:56158-56166. [PMID: 37976422 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c12270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Although versatile deformation, high flexibility, and environmental friendliness of electrochemical actuators (EAs) have made them promising in bioinspired soft robots and biomedical devices, the relatively high driving voltages unfortunately impose great restrictions on their applications in low-energy and human-friendly electronics. Here, we find that the uses of a mixed electronic-ionic conductive metal-organic framework (c-MOF), i.e., Ni3(hexaiminotriphenylene)2 (Ni3(HITP)2), largely lower the driving voltage of EAs. The as-fabricated EA can work under a driving voltage as low as 0.1 V, representing the lowest value among those for the c-MOF-based EAs reported so far. The Ni3(HITP)2-based EA shows an excellent actuation performance such as a high bending strain difference of 0.48% (±0.5 V, 0.1 Hz) and long-term durability of >99% after 15,000 cycles due to the improved conductivity up to 1000 S·cm-1 and double-layer capacitance as high as 176.3 F·g-1 stemming from the mixed electronic-ionic conduction of Ni3(HITP)2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Li
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100190, China
- Institute of Analysis and Testing (Beijing Center for Physical & Chemical Analysis), Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing100089, China
| | - Ping Yu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenjie Ma
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lanqun Mao
- College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Xinjiekouwai Street 19, Beijing 100875, China
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6
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Xu X, Xue P, Gao M, Li Y, Xu Z, Wei Y, Zhang Z, Liu Y, Wang L, Liu H, Cheng B. Assembled one-dimensional nanowires for flexible electronic devices via printing and coating: Techniques, applications, and perspectives. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 321:102987. [PMID: 37852138 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2023.102987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
The rapid progress in flexible electronic devices has necessitated continual research into nanomaterials, structural design, and fabrication processes. One-dimensional nanowires, characterized by their distinct structures and exceptional properties, are considered essential components for various flexible electronic devices. Considerable attention has been directed toward the assembly of nanowires, which presents significant advantages. Printing and coating techniques can be used to assemble nanowires in a relatively simple, efficient, and cost-competitive manner and exhibit potential for scale-up production in the foreseeable future. This review aims to provide an overview of nanowire assembly using printing and coating techniques, such as bar coating, spray coating, dip coating, blade coating, 3D printing, and so forth. The application of assembled nanowires in flexible electronic devices is subsequently discussed. Finally, further discussion is presented on the potential and challenges of flexible electronic devices based on assembled nanowires via printing and coating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Fiber Manufacturing Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, PR China
| | - Pan Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Fiber Manufacturing Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, PR China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225002, PR China
| | - Meng Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Fiber Manufacturing Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, PR China
| | - Yibin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Fiber Manufacturing Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, PR China
| | - Zijun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Fiber Manufacturing Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, PR China
| | - Yu Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Fiber Manufacturing Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, PR China
| | - Zhengjian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Fiber Manufacturing Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, PR China
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Fiber Manufacturing Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, PR China.
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250117, PR China.
| | - Hongbin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Fiber Manufacturing Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, PR China
| | - Bowen Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Fiber Manufacturing Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, PR China.
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7
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Lee GS, Kim JG, Kim JT, Lee CW, Cha S, Choi GB, Lim J, Padmajan Sasikala S, Kim SO. 2D Materials Beyond Post-AI Era: Smart Fibers, Soft Robotics, and Single Atom Catalysts. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023:e2307689. [PMID: 37777874 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202307689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Recent consecutive discoveries of various 2D materials have triggered significant scientific and technological interests owing to their exceptional material properties, originally stemming from 2D confined geometry. Ever-expanding library of 2D materials can provide ideal solutions to critical challenges facing in current technological trend of the fourth industrial revolution. Moreover, chemical modification of 2D materials to customize their physical/chemical properties can satisfy the broad spectrum of different specific requirements across diverse application areas. This review focuses on three particular emerging application areas of 2D materials: smart fibers, soft robotics, and single atom catalysts (SACs), which hold immense potentials for academic and technological advancements in the post-artificial intelligence (AI) era. Smart fibers showcase unconventional functionalities including healthcare/environmental monitoring, energy storage/harvesting, and antipathogenic protection in the forms of wearable fibers and textiles. Soft robotics aligns with future trend to overcome longstanding limitations of hard-material based mechanics by introducing soft actuators and sensors. SACs are widely useful in energy storage/conversion and environmental management, principally contributing to low carbon footprint for sustainable post-AI era. Significance and unique values of 2D materials in these emerging applications are highlighted, where the research group has devoted research efforts for more than a decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang San Lee
- National Creative Research Initiative Center for Multi-Dimensional Directed Nanoscale Assembly, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- KAIST Institute for Nanocentry, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Goo Kim
- National Creative Research Initiative Center for Multi-Dimensional Directed Nanoscale Assembly, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- KAIST Institute for Nanocentry, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Tae Kim
- National Creative Research Initiative Center for Multi-Dimensional Directed Nanoscale Assembly, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- KAIST Institute for Nanocentry, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Woo Lee
- National Creative Research Initiative Center for Multi-Dimensional Directed Nanoscale Assembly, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- KAIST Institute for Nanocentry, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sujin Cha
- National Creative Research Initiative Center for Multi-Dimensional Directed Nanoscale Assembly, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- KAIST Institute for Nanocentry, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Go Bong Choi
- National Creative Research Initiative Center for Multi-Dimensional Directed Nanoscale Assembly, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- KAIST Institute for Nanocentry, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Joonwon Lim
- Department of Information Display, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
- KHU-KIST Department of Converging Science and Technology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Suchithra Padmajan Sasikala
- National Creative Research Initiative Center for Multi-Dimensional Directed Nanoscale Assembly, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- KAIST Institute for Nanocentry, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Ouk Kim
- National Creative Research Initiative Center for Multi-Dimensional Directed Nanoscale Assembly, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- KAIST Institute for Nanocentry, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Materials Creation, Seoul, 06179, Republic of Korea
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8
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Wang B, Huang P, Li B, Wu Z, Xing Y, Zhu J, Liu L. Carbon-Based Nanomaterials Electrodes of Ionic Soft Actuators: From Initial 1D Structure to 3D Composite Structure for Flexible Intelligent Devices. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023:e2304246. [PMID: 37635123 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202304246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
With the rapid development of autonomous and intelligent devices driven by soft actuators, ion soft actuators in flexible intelligent devices have several advantages over other actuators, including their light weight, low voltage drive, large strain, good flexibility, fast response, etc. Traditional ionic polymer metal composites have received a lot of attention over the past decades, but they suffer from poor driving performance and short service lives since the precious metal electrodes are not only expensive, heavy, and labor-intensive, but also prone to cracking with repeated actuation. As excellent candidates for the electrode materials of ionic soft actuators, carbon-based nanomaterials have received a lot of interest because of their plentiful reserves, low cost, and excellent mechanical, electrical, and electrochemical properties. This research reviewed carbon-based nanomaterial electrodes of ion soft actuators for flexible smart devices from a fresh perspective from 1D to 3D combinations. The design of the electrode structure is introduced after the driving mechanism of ionic soft actuators. The details of ionic soft actuator electrodes made of carbon-based nanomaterials are then provided. Additionally, a summary of applications for flexible intelligent devices is provided. Finally, suggestions for challenges and prospects are made to offer direction and inspiration for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bozheng Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, P. R. China
| | - Peng Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, P. R. China
| | - Bingjue Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, P. R. China
| | - Ze Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, P. R. China
| | - Youqiang Xing
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, P. R. China
| | - Jianxiong Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, P. R. China
| | - Lei Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, P. R. China
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9
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Abstract
MXenes with their unique electronic, optical, chemical, and mechanical properties have shown great promise in soft robotics. MXene-based soft actuators have been designed to display ultrafast actuations and recovery speeds as well as angle-independent structural colors in response to vapor. Several studies have developed soft actuators by combining MXenes with other materials to mimic the movement of natural organisms. Thus, MXene-based soft actuators have the potential to revolutionize the field of soft robotics and flexible electronics (e.g., wearable devices and artificial muscles). MXene-based artificial muscles have been explored for use in kinetic soft robotics as actuators in microsystems requiring exceptional compliance. MXene-based sensors and actuators have already been developed for human-like sensors and photodetection. However, there are still challenges that need to be addressed in such applications, such as the design of stretchable and compliant robotic skins with a high-level functional integration for soft robotics. The integration of various devices, such as power sources, sensors, and actuators, into soft robotics is another crucial challenge. Despite the excellent stretchability and tensile strength of MXene-based composites, there is a vital need to develop their mechanical and electrochemical features and grant them multi-functionalities. Herein, recent developments pertaining to the applications of MXenes and their composites in soft robotics are discussed with a focus on the important challenges and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siavash Iravani
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, 81746-73461, Iran.
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10
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Zhang H, Lin Z, Hu Y, Ma S, Liang Y, Ren L, Ren L. Low-Voltage Driven Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite Actuators: Structures, Materials, and Applications. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2206135. [PMID: 36683153 PMCID: PMC10074110 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
With the characteristics of low driving voltage, light weight, and flexibility, ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) have attracted much attention as excellent candidates for artificial muscle materials in the fields of biomedical devices, flexible robots, and microelectromechanical systems. Under small voltage excitation, ions inside the IPMC proton exchange membrane migrate directionally, leading to differences in the expansion rate of the cathode and the anode, which in turn deform. This behavior is caused by the synergistic action of a three-layer structure consisting of an external electrode layer and an internal proton exchange membrane, but the electrode layer is more dominant in this process due to the migration and storage of ions. The exploration of modifications and alternatives for proton exchange membranes and recent advances in the fabrication and characterization of conductive materials, especially carbon-based materials and conductive polymers, have contributed significantly to the development of IPMCs. This paper reviews the progress in the application of proton exchange membranes and electrode materials for IPMCs, discusses various processes currently applied to IPMCs preparation, and introduces various promising applications of cutting-edge IPMCs with high performance to provide new ideas and approaches for the research of new generation of low-voltage ionic soft actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Bionic EngineeringMinistry of EducationJilin UniversityChangchun130025China
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringJilin UniversityChangchun130025China
- Weihai Institute for Bionics‐Jilin UniversityJilin UniversityWeihai264207China
| | - Zhaohua Lin
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringJilin UniversityChangchun130025China
| | - Yong Hu
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringJilin UniversityChangchun130025China
- Weihai Institute for Bionics‐Jilin UniversityJilin UniversityWeihai264207China
| | - Suqian Ma
- The Key Laboratory of Bionic EngineeringMinistry of EducationJilin UniversityChangchun130025China
| | - Yunhong Liang
- The Key Laboratory of Bionic EngineeringMinistry of EducationJilin UniversityChangchun130025China
| | - Lei Ren
- The Key Laboratory of Bionic EngineeringMinistry of EducationJilin UniversityChangchun130025China
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil EngineeringUniversity of ManchesterManchesterM13 9PLUK
| | - Luquan Ren
- The Key Laboratory of Bionic EngineeringMinistry of EducationJilin UniversityChangchun130025China
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Qiao Y, Luo J, Cui T, Liu H, Tang H, Zeng Y, Liu C, Li Y, Jian J, Wu J, Tian H, Yang Y, Ren TL, Zhou J. Soft Electronics for Health Monitoring Assisted by Machine Learning. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2023; 15:66. [PMID: 36918452 PMCID: PMC10014415 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-023-01029-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Due to the development of the novel materials, the past two decades have witnessed the rapid advances of soft electronics. The soft electronics have huge potential in the physical sign monitoring and health care. One of the important advantages of soft electronics is forming good interface with skin, which can increase the user scale and improve the signal quality. Therefore, it is easy to build the specific dataset, which is important to improve the performance of machine learning algorithm. At the same time, with the assistance of machine learning algorithm, the soft electronics have become more and more intelligent to realize real-time analysis and diagnosis. The soft electronics and machining learning algorithms complement each other very well. It is indubitable that the soft electronics will bring us to a healthier and more intelligent world in the near future. Therefore, in this review, we will give a careful introduction about the new soft material, physiological signal detected by soft devices, and the soft devices assisted by machine learning algorithm. Some soft materials will be discussed such as two-dimensional material, carbon nanotube, nanowire, nanomesh, and hydrogel. Then, soft sensors will be discussed according to the physiological signal types (pulse, respiration, human motion, intraocular pressure, phonation, etc.). After that, the soft electronics assisted by various algorithms will be reviewed, including some classical algorithms and powerful neural network algorithms. Especially, the soft device assisted by neural network will be introduced carefully. Finally, the outlook, challenge, and conclusion of soft system powered by machine learning algorithm will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yancong Qiao
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, 518107, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Sensing Technology and Biomedical Instruments of Guangdong Province, School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jinan Luo
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, 518107, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Sensing Technology and Biomedical Instruments of Guangdong Province, School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianrui Cui
- School of Integrated Circuits and Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology (BNRist), Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Haidong Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, 518107, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Sensing Technology and Biomedical Instruments of Guangdong Province, School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Tang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, 518107, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Sensing Technology and Biomedical Instruments of Guangdong Province, School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingfen Zeng
- School of Integrated Circuits and Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology (BNRist), Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, 518107, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Sensing Technology and Biomedical Instruments of Guangdong Province, School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanfang Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, 518107, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Sensing Technology and Biomedical Instruments of Guangdong Province, School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinming Jian
- School of Integrated Circuits and Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology (BNRist), Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingzhi Wu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, 518107, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Sensing Technology and Biomedical Instruments of Guangdong Province, School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - He Tian
- School of Integrated Circuits and Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology (BNRist), Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Yang
- School of Integrated Circuits and Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology (BNRist), Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian-Ling Ren
- School of Integrated Circuits and Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology (BNRist), Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianhua Zhou
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, 518107, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Sensing Technology and Biomedical Instruments of Guangdong Province, School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China.
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Wu CH, Meng W, Iakoubovskii K, Yoshio M. Photocured Liquid-Crystalline Polymer Electrolytes with 3D Ion Transport Pathways for Electromechanical Actuators. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:4495-4504. [PMID: 36646628 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c19382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembly of ionic molecules into hierarchical ordered structures is a promising route to new types of solid electrolytes with enhanced ion transport. Herein, we report a liquid-crystalline polymer electrolyte membrane that contains three-dimensionally (3D) interconnected ionic pathways. To build this membrane, we used wedge-shaped amphiphilic molecules that have two ionic heads and a lipophilic tail. These molecules were combined with a low content of ionic liquid (5.6 wt %) to form a hexagonal columnar phase, where the self-assembled lipophilic cylinders were surrounded by the ionic shell. Photopolymerization of this phase produced flexible nanostructured films with 3D ionic pathways, which can serve as an electrolyte layer in soft robotic actuators. Ionic transport in the 3D pathways leads to shape memory capability as well as durable bending actuation with a voltage-controllable blocking force. Furthermore, we find a significant enhancement of actuation for the nanostructured electrolyte compared with the corresponding amorphous electrolyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che-Hao Wu
- Research Center for Functional Materials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-2-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki305-0047, Japan
- Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita 13, Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido060-8628, Japan
| | - Wenjing Meng
- Research Center for Functional Materials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-2-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki305-0047, Japan
| | - Konstantin Iakoubovskii
- Research Center for Functional Materials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-2-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki305-0047, Japan
| | - Masafumi Yoshio
- Research Center for Functional Materials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-2-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki305-0047, Japan
- Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita 13, Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido060-8628, Japan
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Ko J, Kim C, Kim D, Song Y, Lee S, Yeom B, Huh J, Han S, Kang D, Koh JS, Cho J. High-performance electrified hydrogel actuators based on wrinkled nanomembrane electrodes for untethered insect-scale soft aquabots. Sci Robot 2022; 7:eabo6463. [DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.abo6463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogels have diverse chemical properties and can exhibit reversibly large mechanical deformations in response to external stimuli; these characteristics suggest that hydrogels are promising materials for soft robots. However, reported actuators based on hydrogels generally suffer from slow response speed and/or poor controllability due to intrinsic material limitations and electrode fabrication technologies. Here, we report a hydrogel actuator that operates at low voltages (<3 volts) with high performance (strain > 50%, energy density > 7 × 10
5
joules per cubic meter, and power density > 3 × 10
4
watts per cubic meter), surpassing existing hydrogel actuators and other types of electroactive soft actuators. The enhanced performance of our actuator is due to the formation of wrinkled nanomembrane electrodes that exhibit high conductivity and excellent mechanical deformation through capillary-assisted assembly of metal nanoparticles and deswelling-induced wrinkled structures. By applying an electric potential through the wrinkled nanomembrane electrodes that sandwich the hydrogel, we were able to trigger a reversible and substantial electroosmotic water flow inside a hydrogel film, which drove the controlled swelling of the hydrogel. The high energy efficiency and power density of our wrinkled nanomembrane electrode–induced actuator enabled the fabrication of an untethered insect-scale aquabot integrated with an on-board control unit demonstrating maneuverability with fast locomotion speed (1.02 body length per second), which occupies only 2% of the total mass of the robot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jongkuk Ko
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Changhwan Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ajou University, 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongjin Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ajou University, 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongkwon Song
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Seokmin Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Bongjun Yeom
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - June Huh
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungyong Han
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ajou University, 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Daeshik Kang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ajou University, 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Je-Sung Koh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ajou University, 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinhan Cho
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
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