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Zhang J, Zhang Y, Yang J, Wang X. Beyond Color Boundaries: Pioneering Developments in Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Photonic Actuators. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:808. [PMID: 38930778 PMCID: PMC11205596 DOI: 10.3390/mi15060808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Creatures in nature make extensive use of structural color adaptive camouflage to survive. Cholesteric liquid crystals, with nanostructures similar to those of natural organisms, can be combined with actuators to produce bright structural colors in response to a wide range of stimuli. Structural colors modulated by nano-helical structures can continuously and selectively reflect specific wavelengths of light, breaking the limit of colors recognizable by the human eye. In this review, the current state of research on cholesteric liquid crystal photonic actuators and their technological applications is presented. First, the basic concepts of cholesteric liquid crystals and their nanostructural modulation are outlined. Then, the cholesteric liquid crystal photonic actuators responding to different stimuli (mechanical, thermal, electrical, light, humidity, magnetic, pneumatic) are presented. This review describes the practical applications of cholesteric liquid crystal photonic actuators and summarizes the prospects for the development of these advanced structures as well as the challenges and their promising applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinying Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Precision Optoelectronic Measurement Instrument and Technology, School of Optics and Photonics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.)
- Yangtze Delta Region Academy of Beijing Institute of Technology, Jiaxing 314001, China
| | - Yexiaotong Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Precision Optoelectronic Measurement Instrument and Technology, School of Optics and Photonics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.)
| | - Jiaxing Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Precision Optoelectronic Measurement Instrument and Technology, School of Optics and Photonics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.)
| | - Xinye Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Precision Optoelectronic Measurement Instrument and Technology, School of Optics and Photonics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.)
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Du S, Yang S, Wang B, Li P, Zhu J, Ma S. Acetal-thiol Click-like Reaction: Facile and Efficient Synthesis of Dynamic Dithioacetals and Recyclable Polydithioacetals. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024:e202405653. [PMID: 38764409 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202405653] [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: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Dithioacetals are heavily used in organic, material and medical chemistries, and exhibit huge potential to synthesize degradable or recyclable polymers. However, the current synthetic approaches of dithioacetals and polydithioacetals are overwhelmingly dependent on external catalysts and organic solvents. Herein, we disclose a catalyst- and solvent-free acetal-thiol click-like reaction for synthesizing dithioacetals and polydithioacetals. High conversion, higher than acid catalytic acetal-thiol reaction, can be achieved. High universality was confirmed by monitoring the reactions of linear and cyclic acetals (including renewable bio-sourced furan-acetal) with aliphatic and aromatic thiols, and the reaction mechanism of monomolecular nucleophilic substitution (SN1) and auto-protonation (activation) by thiol was clarified by combining experiments and density functional theory computation. Subsequently, we utilize this reaction to synthesize readily recyclable polydithioacetals. By simple heating and stirring, linear polydithioacetals withM ‾ ${\bar M}$ w of ~110 kDa were synthesized from acetal and dithiol, and depolymerization into macrocyclic dithioacetal and repolymerization into polydithioacetal can be achieved; through reactive extrusion, a semi-interpenetrating polymer dynamic network with excellent mechanical properties and continuous reprocessability was prepared from poly(vinyl butyral) and pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate). This green and high-efficient synthesis method for dithioacetals and polydithioacetals is beneficial to the sustainable development of chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Du
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, P. R. China
| | - Shuaiqi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, P. R. China
| | - Binbo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-based Polymeric Materials Technology and Application of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, P. R. China
| | - Pengyun Li
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, P. R. China
| | - Jin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-based Polymeric Materials Technology and Application of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, P. R. China
| | - Songqi Ma
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, P. R. China
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Yu Q, Fang Z, Luan S, Wang L, Shi H. Biological applications of lipoic acid-based polymers: an old material with new promise. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:4574-4583. [PMID: 38683108 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00581c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Lipoic acid (LA) is a versatile antioxidant that has been used in the treatment of various oxidation-reduction diseases over the past 70 years. Owing to its large five-membered ring tension, the dynamic disulfide bond of LA is highly active, enabling the formation of poly(lipoic acid) (PLA) via ring-opening polymerization (ROP). Herein, we first summarize disulfide-mediated ROP polymerization strategies, providing basic routes for designing and preparing PLA-based materials. PLA, as a biologically derived, low toxic, and easily modified material, possesses dynamic disulfide bonds and universal non-covalent carboxyl groups. We also shed light on the biomedical applications of PLA-based materials based on their biological and structural features and further divide recent works into six categories: antibacterial, anti-inflammation, anticancer, adhesive, flexible electronics, and 3D-printed tissue scaffolds. Finally, the challenges and future prospects associated with the biomedical applications of PLA are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China.
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
| | - Zhiyue Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China.
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
| | - Shifang Luan
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China.
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China.
| | - Hengchong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China.
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
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4
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Nakamura Y, Huang YS, Huang CF, Samitsu S. Passerini polymerization of α-lipoic acid for dynamically crosslinking 1,2-dithiolane-functionalized polymers. Chem Commun (Camb) 2024; 60:5270-5273. [PMID: 38600894 DOI: 10.1039/d4cc00751d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Passerini polymerization using naturally occurring α-lipoic acid as a raw material yields polyamides with 1,2-dithiolane functional groups in a one-step reaction. The polyamide exhibits characteristics of an adaptable dynamically crosslinked network through reversible ring-opening reaction of 1,2-dithiolane, enabling self-healing, reusable strong adhesion, and regeneration through decrosslinking and re-crosslinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyuki Nakamura
- Data-driven Polymer Design Group, Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-2-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0047, Japan.
| | - Yi-Shen Huang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, i-Center for Advanced Science and Technology (iCAST), National Chung Hsing University, 145 Xingda Road, South District, Taichung 40227, Taiwan.
| | - Chih-Feng Huang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, i-Center for Advanced Science and Technology (iCAST), National Chung Hsing University, 145 Xingda Road, South District, Taichung 40227, Taiwan.
| | - Sadaki Samitsu
- Data-driven Polymer Design Group, Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-2-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0047, Japan.
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Xu Z, Zhu Y, Ai Y, Zhou D, Wu F, Li C, Chen L. Programmable, Self-Healable, and Photochromic Liquid Crystal Elastomers Based on Dynamic Hindered Urea Bonds for Biomimetic Flowers. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2400520. [PMID: 38733234 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202400520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Recently, researchers have been exploring the use of dynamic covalent bonds (DCBs) in the construction of exchangeable liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) for biomimetic actuators and devices. However, a significant challenge remains in achieving LCEs with both excellent dynamic properties and superior mechanical strength and stability. In this study, a diacrylate-functionalized monomer containing dynamic hindered urea bonds (DA-HUB) is employed to prepare exchangeable LCEs through a self-catalytic Michael addition reaction. By incorporating DA-HUB, the LCE system benefits from DCBs and hydrogen bonding, leading to materials with high mechanical strength and a range of dynamic properties such as programmability, self-healing, and recyclability. Leveraging these characteristics, bilayer LCE actuators with controlled reversible thermal deformation and outstanding dimensional stability are successfully fabricated using a simple welding method. Moreover, a biomimetic triangular plum, inspired by the blooming of flowers, is created to showcase reversible color and shape changes triggered by light and heat. This innovative approach opens new possibilities for the development of biomimetic and smart actuators and devices with multiple functionalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhentian Xu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/ Institute of Polymers and Energy Chemistry (IPEC)/ the School of Information Engineering, Nanchang University, 999 Xuefu Avenue, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Yangyang Zhu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/ Institute of Polymers and Energy Chemistry (IPEC)/ the School of Information Engineering, Nanchang University, 999 Xuefu Avenue, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Yun Ai
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/ Institute of Polymers and Energy Chemistry (IPEC)/ the School of Information Engineering, Nanchang University, 999 Xuefu Avenue, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Dan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants, Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, 696 Fenghe South Avenue, Nanchang, 330063, China
| | - Feiyan Wu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/ Institute of Polymers and Energy Chemistry (IPEC)/ the School of Information Engineering, Nanchang University, 999 Xuefu Avenue, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Chunquan Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/ Institute of Polymers and Energy Chemistry (IPEC)/ the School of Information Engineering, Nanchang University, 999 Xuefu Avenue, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Lie Chen
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/ Institute of Polymers and Energy Chemistry (IPEC)/ the School of Information Engineering, Nanchang University, 999 Xuefu Avenue, Nanchang, 330031, China
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Wu D, Li X, Zhang Y, Cheng X, Long Z, Ren L, Xia X, Wang Q, Li J, Lv P, Feng Q, Wei Q. Novel Biomimetic "Spider Web" Robust, Super-Contractile Liquid Crystal Elastomer Active Yarn Soft Actuator. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2400557. [PMID: 38419378 PMCID: PMC11077665 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
In nature, spider web is an interwoven network with high stability and elasticity from silk threads secreted by spider. Inspired by the structure of spider webs, light-driven liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) active yarn is designed with super-contractile and robust weavability. Herein, a novel biomimetic gold nanorods (AuNRs) @LCE yarn soft actuator with hierarchical structure is fabricated by a facile electrospinning and subsequent photocrosslinking strategies. Meanwhile, the inherent mechanism and actuation performances of the as-prepared yarn actuator with interleaving network are systematically analyzed. Results demonstrate that thanks to the unique "like-spider webs" structure between fibers, high molecular orientation within the LCE microfibers and good flexibility, they can generate super actuation strain (≈81%) and stable actuation performances. Importantly, benefit from the robust covalent bonding at the organic-inorganic interface, photopolymerizable AuNRs molecules are uniformly introduced into the polymer backbone of electrospun LCE yarn to achieve tailorable shape-morphing under different light intensity stimulation. As a proof-of-concept illustration, light-driven artificial muscles, micro swimmers, and hemostatic bandages are successfully constructed. The research disclosed herein can offer new insights into continuous production and development of LCE-derived yarn actuator that are of paramount significance for many applications from smart fabrics to flexible wearable devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingsheng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Eco‐Textiles, Ministry of EducationJiangnan UniversityJiangsu214122China
- Key Laboratory of Textile Fabrics, College of Textiles and ClothingAnhui Polytechnic UniversityAnhui241000China
| | - Xin Li
- Key Laboratory of Eco‐Textiles, Ministry of EducationJiangnan UniversityJiangsu214122China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Eco‐Textiles, Ministry of EducationJiangnan UniversityJiangsu214122China
| | - Xinyue Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Eco‐Textiles, Ministry of EducationJiangnan UniversityJiangsu214122China
| | - Zhiwen Long
- Key Laboratory of Eco‐Textiles, Ministry of EducationJiangnan UniversityJiangsu214122China
| | - Lingyun Ren
- Key Laboratory of Eco‐Textiles, Ministry of EducationJiangnan UniversityJiangsu214122China
| | - Xin Xia
- College of Textile and ClothingXinjiang UniversityUrumchiXinjiang830046China
| | - Qingqing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Eco‐Textiles, Ministry of EducationJiangnan UniversityJiangsu214122China
| | - Jie Li
- Jiangsu Textile Quality Services Inspection Testing InstituteJiangsu210007China
| | - Pengfei Lv
- Key Laboratory of Eco‐Textiles, Ministry of EducationJiangnan UniversityJiangsu214122China
| | - Quan Feng
- Key Laboratory of Textile Fabrics, College of Textiles and ClothingAnhui Polytechnic UniversityAnhui241000China
| | - Qufu Wei
- Key Laboratory of Eco‐Textiles, Ministry of EducationJiangnan UniversityJiangsu214122China
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7
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Shu Z, Qi M, Fang LF, Yi Z, Gao CJ. Reversibly Cross-Linked Isoporous Membranes Fabricated by the Recyclable Block Copolymer with Pendent Dithiolane Groups. ACS Macro Lett 2024; 13:389-394. [PMID: 38488582 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.4c00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The reversible formation and cleavage of disulfide bonds under physical/chemical stimuli make it a valuable motif in constructing dynamically cross-linked materials. In the present work, the block copolymer bearing pendent dithiolanes was synthesized and fabricated into isoporous membranes by the combination of self-assembly and nonsolvent-induced phase separation strategy. The cross-linking within the membrane was realized by the thiol-initiated ring-opening cascades of cyclic disulfides. Successful formation of disulfide bond networks within the isoporous membranes was proved by the Raman spectra, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and rheological analysis. The cross-linking in membranes was further demonstrated by the notably improved toughness and obviously enhanced swelling resistance to acid/alkaline solution as well as organic solvents. Importantly, the cross-linked isoporous membranes were fully dissolvable in solution containing dithiothreitol, which enabled the complete cleavage of disulfide bonds and successful recovery of the block copolymer that was able to be repeatedly fabricated into isoporous membranes with pore sizes identical to membranes prepared from the freshly synthesized copolymer. Our results indicate that dynamically cross-linked isoporous membranes with improved durability and good recyclability can be custom-made by simply incorporating active dithiolane moieties into self-assembling block copolymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Shu
- Center for Membrane and Water Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Min Qi
- Center for Membrane and Water Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Li-Feng Fang
- Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization (Ministry of Education), Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Zhuan Yi
- Center for Membrane and Water Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
- Huzhou Institute of Collaborative Innovation Center for Membrane Separation and Water Treatment, Hong Feng Road, Huzhou 313000, China
| | - Cong-Jie Gao
- Center for Membrane and Water Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
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8
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Zhao JZ, Yue TJ, Ren BH, Lu XB, Ren WM. Closed-loop recycling of sulfur-rich polymers with tunable properties spanning thermoplastics, elastomers, and vitrimers. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3002. [PMID: 38589410 PMCID: PMC11001992 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47382-6] [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: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of closed-loop recycling polymers that exhibit excellent performance is of great significance. Sulfur-rich polymers possessing excellent optical, thermal, and mechanical properties are promising candidates for chemical recycling but lack efficient synthetic strategies for achieving diverse structures. Herein, we report a universal synthetic strategy for producing polytrithiocarbonates, a class of sulfur-rich polymers, via the polycondensation of dithiols and dimethyl trithiocarbonate. This strategy has excellent compatibility with a wide range of monomers, including aliphatic, heteroatomic, and aromatic dithiols enabling the synthesis of polytrithiocarbonates with diverse structures. The present synthesis strategy offers a versatile platform for the construction of thermoplastics, elastomers, and vitrimers. Notably, these polytrithiocarbonates can be easily depolymerized via solvolysis into the corresponding monomers, which can be repolymerized to virgin polymers without changing the material properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Zhuo Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials, Dalian University of Technology, 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Tian-Jun Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials, Dalian University of Technology, 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Bai-Hao Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials, Dalian University of Technology, 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials, Dalian University of Technology, 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Wei-Min Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials, Dalian University of Technology, 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, 116024, China.
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9
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Ma S, Zhou Y, Wang L, Zhang H. Multifunctional UV-NIR Dual Light-Responsive Soft Actuators from a Main-Chain Azobenzene Semi-Crystalline Poly(ester-amide) Doped with Polydopamine Nanoparticles. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202303306. [PMID: 37965800 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202303306] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
The development of soft photoactuators with multifunctionality and improved performance is highly important for their broad applications. Herein, we report on a facile and efficient strategy for fabricating such photoactuators with UV-NIR dual light-responsivity, room-temperature 3D shape reprogrammability and reprocessability, and photothermal healability by doping polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles into a main-chain azobenzene semi-crystalline poly(ester-amide) (PEA). The PEA/PDA nanoparticle composite was readily processed into free-standing films with enhanced mechanical and photomechanical properties compared with the blank PEA films. Its physically crosslinked uniaxially oriented films showed rapid and highly reversible photochemically induced bending/unbending under the UV/visible light irradiation at room temperature in both the air atmosphere and water. When exposed to the NIR light, they (and their bilayer films formed with a polyimide film) exhibited photothermally induced bending even at a temperature much lower than their crystalline-to-isotropic phase transition temperature based on a unique mechanism (involving photothermally induced polymer chain relaxation due to the disruption of their hydrogen bonds). The room-temperature 3D shape reprogrammability and reprocessability and photothermal healability of the composite polymer films were also demonstrated. Such multifunctional dual light-responsive photoactuators with well-balanced mechanical robustness, actuation stability, 3D shape reprogrammability/reprocessability and photothermal healability hold much promise in various photoactuating applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengkui Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Huiqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
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10
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Jeong YJ, Park SY. Light-Responsive Actuator of Azobenzene-Containing Main-Chain Liquid Crystal Elastomers with Allyl Sulfide Dynamic Exchangeable Linkages. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:2788-2801. [PMID: 38170866 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c17068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Herein, a light-responsive and light-induced bond-exchange-reaction (BER)-capable actuator of the monodomain liquid crystal elastomer (xMLCEazo), developed using main-chain mesogenic oligomers containing azobenzene and allyl sulfide linkages, is investigated. Large quantities of the azobenzene and allyl dithiol linkages are incorporated into the main-chain mesogenic oligomer prepared via thiol-acrylate Michael addition polymerization (TAMAP). The xMLCEazo film is generated via visible-light-induced BER of the drawn polydomain xLCEazo (xPLCEazo) film prepared via TAMAP of tetrathiol cross-linkers and diacrylate-terminated mesogenic oligomers. The xMLCEazo film exhibits large length actuation (38%) through the photothermal effect, along with excellent self-healing and reprogramming properties, under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation. UV light induced BER of the xMLCEazo film is used to develop complex-shaped actuators with a bilayer film, containing the xMLCEazo and xPLCEazo films, which are bonded by the UV light induced BER without glue. The individual arm of the complex eight-arm flower is remotely actuated under UV light irradiation, and a circular band is rolled under blue laser light irradiation, demonstrating the local remote-controlled actuation and fuel-free motion of the motile soft robot using light irradiation, respectively. Thus, the xMLCEazo film can be expanded to other interesting applications requiring reprogrammable, self-healing, reprocessable, patternable, and remote-controlled light-triggered elastic, rubber-like actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Jeong Jeong
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Polymeric Nano Materials Laboratory, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Young Park
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Polymeric Nano Materials Laboratory, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
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11
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Lyu J, Song G, Jung H, Park YI, Lee SH, Jeong JE, Kim JC. Solvent-Triggered Chemical Recycling of Ion-Conductive and Self-Healable Polyurethane Covalent Adaptive Networks. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:1511-1520. [PMID: 38129176 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c15337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Given the substantial environmental challenge posed by global plastic waste, recycling technology for thermosetting polymers has become a huge research topic in the polymer industry. Covalent adaptive networks (CANs), which can reversibly dissociate and reconstruct their network structure, represent a key technology for the self-healing, reprocessing, and recycling of thermosetting polymers. In the present study, we introduce a new series of polyurethane CANs whose network structure can dissociate via the self-catalyzed formation of dithiolane from the CANs' polydisulfide linkages when the CANs are treated in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) or dimethyl sulfoxide at 60 °C for 1 h. More interestingly, we found that this network dissociation even occurs in tetrahydrofuran-DMF solvent mixtures with low DMF concentrations. This feature enables a reduction in the use of high-boiling, toxic polar aprotic solvents. The dissociated network structure of the CANs was reconstructed under UV light at 365 nm with a high yield via ring-opening polydisulfide linkage formation from dithiolane pendant groups. These CAN films, which were prepared by a sequential organic synthesis and polymerization process, exhibited high thermal stability and good mechanical properties, recyclability, and self-healing performance. When lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) salt was added to the CAN films, the films exhibited a maximum ion conductivity of 7.48 × 10-4 S cm-1 because of the contribution of the high concentration of the pendant ethylene carbonate group in the CANs. The ion-conducting CAN films also showed excellent recyclability and a self-healing performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihong Lyu
- Center for Specialty Chemicals, Division of Specialty and Bio-Based Chemicals Technology, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44412, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyujin Song
- Ulsan Advanced Energy Technology R&D Center, Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), Ulsan 44776, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyocheol Jung
- Center for Specialty Chemicals, Division of Specialty and Bio-Based Chemicals Technology, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44412, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Il Park
- Center for Specialty Chemicals, Division of Specialty and Bio-Based Chemicals Technology, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44412, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Ho Lee
- Center for Specialty Chemicals, Division of Specialty and Bio-Based Chemicals Technology, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44412, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Eun Jeong
- Center for Specialty Chemicals, Division of Specialty and Bio-Based Chemicals Technology, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44412, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Chul Kim
- Center for Specialty Chemicals, Division of Specialty and Bio-Based Chemicals Technology, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44412, Republic of Korea
- Department of Advanced Materials & Chemical Engineering, University of Science & Technology, 217 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
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12
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Xue E, Liu L, Wu W, Wang B. Soft Fiber/Textile Actuators: From Design Strategies to Diverse Applications. ACS NANO 2024; 18:89-118. [PMID: 38146868 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c09307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Fiber/textile-based actuators have garnered considerable attention due to their distinctive attributes, encompassing higher degrees of freedom, intriguing deformations, and enhanced adaptability to complex structures. Recent studies highlight the development of advanced fibers and textiles, expanding the application scope of fiber/textile-based actuators across diverse emerging fields. Unlike sheet-like soft actuators, fibers/textiles with intricate structures exhibit versatile movements, such as contraction, coiling, bending, and folding, achieved through adjustable strain and stroke. In this review article, we provide a timely and comprehensive overview of fiber/textile actuators, including structures, fabrication methods, actuation principles, and applications. After discussing the hierarchical structure and deformation of the fiber/textile actuator, we discuss various spinning strategies, detailing the merits and drawbacks of each. Next, we present the actuation principles of fiber/fabric actuators, along with common external stimuli. In addition, we provide a summary of the emerging applications of fiber/textile actuators. Concluding with an assessment of existing challenges and future opportunities, this review aims to provide a valuable perspective on the enticing realm of fiber/textile-based actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enbo Xue
- School of Electronic Science & Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, P. R. China
| | - Limei Liu
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225127, P. R. China
| | - Wei Wu
- Laboratory of Printable Functional Materials and Printed Electronics, School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Binghao Wang
- School of Electronic Science & Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, P. R. China
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13
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Yang Y, Meng L, Zhang J, Gao Y, Hao Z, Liu Y, Niu M, Zhang X, Liu X, Liu S. Near-Infrared Light-Driven MXene/Liquid Crystal Elastomer Bimorph Membranes for Closed-Loop Controlled Self-Sensing Bionic Robots. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2307862. [PMID: 37985651 PMCID: PMC10787073 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
More recently, soft actuators have evoked great interest in the next generation of soft robots. Despite significant progress, the majority of current soft actuators suffer from the lack of real-time sensory feedback and self-control functions, prohibiting their effective sensing and multitasking functions. Therefore, in this work, a near-infrared-driven bimorph membrane, with self-sensing and feedback loop control functions, is produced by layer by layer (LBL) assembling MXene/PDDA (PM) onto liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) film. The versatile integration strategy successfully prevents the separation issues that arise from moduli mismatch between the sensing and the actuating layers, ultimately resulting in a stable and tightly bonded interface adhesion. As a result, the resultant membrane exhibited excellent mechanical toughness (tensile strengths equal to 16.3 MPa (||)), strong actuation properties (actuation stress equal to 1.56 MPa), and stable self-sensing (gauge factor equal to 4.72) capabilities. When applying the near-infrared (NIR) laser control, the system can perform grasping, traction, and crawling movements. Furthermore, the wing actuation and the closed-loop controlled motion are demonstrated in combination with the insect microcontroller unit (MCU) models. The remote precision control and the self-sensing capabilities of the soft actuator pave a way for complex and precise task modulation in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youwei Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, P. R. China
| | - Lingxian Meng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, P. R. China
| | - Juzhong Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, P. R. China
| | - Yadong Gao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, P. R. China
| | - Zijuan Hao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, P. R. China
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, P. R. China
| | - Mingjun Niu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, P. R. China
| | - Xiaomeng Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, P. R. China
| | - Xuying Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, P. R. China
| | - Shuiren Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, P. R. China
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14
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Li S, Aizenberg M, Lerch MM, Aizenberg J. Programming Deformations of 3D Microstructures: Opportunities Enabled by Magnetic Alignment of Liquid Crystalline Elastomers. ACCOUNTS OF MATERIALS RESEARCH 2023; 4:1008-1019. [PMID: 38148997 PMCID: PMC10749463 DOI: 10.1021/accountsmr.3c00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic structures that undergo controlled movement are crucial building blocks for developing new technologies applicable to robotics, healthcare, and sustainable self-regulated materials. Yet, programming motion is nontrivial, and particularly at the microscale it remains a fundamental challenge. At the macroscale, movement can be controlled by conventional electric, pneumatic, or combustion-based machinery. At the nanoscale, chemistry has taken strides in enabling molecularly fueled movement. Yet in between, at the microscale, top-down fabrication becomes cumbersome and expensive, while bottom-up chemical self-assembly and amplified molecular motion does not reach the necessary sophistication. Hence, new approaches that converge top-down and bottom-up methods and enable motional complexity at the microscale are urgently needed. Synthetic anisotropic materials (e.g., liquid crystalline elastomers, LCEs) with encoded molecular anisotropy that are shaped into arbitrary geometries by top-down fabrication promise new opportunities to implement controlled actuation at the microscale. In such materials, motional complexity is directly linked to the built-in molecular anisotropy that can be "activated" by external stimuli. So far, encoding the desired patterns of molecular directionality has relied mostly on either mechanical or surface alignment techniques, which do not allow the decoupling of molecular and geometric features, severely restricting achievable material shapes and thus limiting attainable actuation patterns, unless complex multimaterial constructs are fabricated. Electromagnetic fields have recently emerged as possible alternatives to provide 3D control over local anisotropy, independent of the geometry of a given 3D object. The combination of magnetic alignment and soft lithography, in particular, provides a powerful platform for the rapid, practical, and facile production of microscale soft actuators with field-defined local anisotropy. Recent work has established the feasibility of this approach with low magnetic field strengths (in the lower mT range) and comparably simple setups used for the fabrication of the microactuators, in which magnetic fields can be engineered through arrangement of permanent magnets. This workflow gives access to microstructures with unusual spatial patterning of molecular alignment and has enabled a multitude of nontrivial deformation types that would not be possible to program by any other means at the micron scale. A range of "activating" stimuli can be used to put these structures in motion, and the type of the trigger plays a key role too: directional and dynamic stimuli (such as light) make it possible to activate the patterned anisotropic material locally and transiently, which enables one to achieve and further program motional complexity and communication in microactuators. In this Account, we will discuss recent advances in magnetic alignment of molecular anisotropy and its use in soft lithography and related fabrication approaches to create LCE microactuators. We will examine how design choices-from the molecular to the fabrication and the operational levels-control and define the achievable LCE deformations. We then address the role of stimuli in realizing the motional complexity and how one can engineer feedback within and communication between microactuator arrays fabricated by soft lithography. Overall, we outline emerging strategies that make possible a completely new approach to designing for desired sets of motions of active, microscale objects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shucong Li
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard
University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Michael Aizenberg
- John
A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Michael M. Lerch
- John
A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
- Stratingh
Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Joanna Aizenberg
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard
University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
- John
A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
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15
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Du T, Shen B, Dai J, Zhang M, Chen X, Yu P, Liu Y. Controlled and Regioselective Ring-Opening Polymerization for Poly(disulfide)s by Anion-Binding Catalysis. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:27788-27799. [PMID: 37987648 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c10708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Poly(disulfide)s are an emerging class of sulfur-containing polymers with applications in medicine, energy, and functional materials. However, the constituent dynamic covalent S-S bond is highly reactive in the presence of the sulfide (RS-) anion, imposing a persistent challenge to control the polymerization. Here, we report an anion-binding approach to arrest the high reactivity of the RS- chain end to control the synthesis of linear poly(disulfide)s, realizing a rapid, living ring-opening polymerization of 1,2-dithiolanes with narrow dispersity and high regioselectivity (Mw/Mn ∼ 1.1, Ps ∼ 0.85). Mechanistic studies support the formation of a thiourea-base-sulfide ternary complex as the catalytically active species during the chain propagation. Theoretical analyses reveal a synergistic catalytic model where the catalyst preorganizes the protonated base and anionic chain end to establish spatial confinement over the bound monomer, effecting the observed regioselectivity. The catalytic system is amenable to monomers with various functional groups, and semicrystalline polymers are also obtained from lipoic acid derivatives by enhancing the regioselectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Du
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Boming Shen
- Department of Chemistry and Shenzhen Grubbs Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jieyu Dai
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Miaomiao Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xingjian Chen
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Peiyuan Yu
- Department of Chemistry and Shenzhen Grubbs Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yun Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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16
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Guo H, Liang C, Ruoko TP, Meteling H, Peng B, Zeng H, Priimagi A. Programmable and Self-Healable Liquid Crystal Elastomer Actuators Based on Halogen Bonding. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202309402. [PMID: 37694550 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202309402] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Shape-changing polymeric materials have gained significant attention in the field of bioinspired soft robotics. However, challenges remain in versatilizing the shape-morphing process to suit different tasks and environments, and in designing systems that combine reversible actuation and self-healing ability. Here, we report halogen-bonded liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) that can be arbitrarily shape-programmed and that self-heal under mild thermal or photothermal stimulation. We incorporate halogen-bond-donating diiodotetrafluorobenzene molecules as dynamic supramolecular crosslinks into the LCEs and show that these relatively weak crosslinks are pertinent for their mechanical programming and self-healing. Utilizing the halogen-bonded LCEs, we demonstrate proof-of-concept soft robotic motions such as crawling and rolling with programmed velocities. Our results showcase halogen bonding as a promising, yet unexplored tool for the preparation of smart supramolecular constructs for the development of advanced soft actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongshuang Guo
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University P.O. Box 541, 33101, Tampere, Finland
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University P.O. Box 15100, 02150, Espoo, Finland
| | - Tero-Petri Ruoko
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University P.O. Box 541, 33101, Tampere, Finland
| | - Henning Meteling
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University P.O. Box 541, 33101, Tampere, Finland
| | - Bo Peng
- Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University P.O. Box 15100, 02150, Espoo, Finland
| | - Hao Zeng
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University P.O. Box 541, 33101, Tampere, Finland
| | - Arri Priimagi
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University P.O. Box 541, 33101, Tampere, Finland
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17
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Yang S, Liu W, Guo J, Yang Z, Qiao Z, Zhang C, Li J, Xu J, Zhao N. Direct and Catalyst-Free Ester Metathesis Reaction for Covalent Adaptable Networks. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:20927-20935. [PMID: 37710975 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c06262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Thermosetting polymers possess excellent environmental resistance and mechanical properties but cannot be reprocessed due to their covalently cross-linked structures. Recycling of thermosets via the implantation of dynamic covalent bonds offers a promising solution. Here, we report the direct and catalyst-free ester metathesis of N-acyloxyphthalimide (NAPI) at about 100 °C without the requirement of hydroxyl groups and its utilization for the fabrication of covalent adaptable networks (CANs). NAPI metathesis has interesting sigmoid kinetics with a fast exchange rate, which proceeds via a free radical chain mechanism, guaranteeing a fast associative exchange under a rather low dissociation. The bifunctional molecule of NAPI as both the radical precursor and substrate is the key to the dissociatively initiated associative (DAssociative) mechanism and kinetic behavior. Based on the efficient NAPI metathesis, polyester networks, poly(N-acyloxyphthalimides) (PNAPIs), show excellent malleability. Notably, PNAPIs exhibit exceptional solvent resistance and mechanical stability at elevated temperatures owing to the unique DAssociative mechanism, suggesting exciting opportunities for designing recyclable thermosetting polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijia Yang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenxing Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Zhusheng Yang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Zhi Qiao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Chenguang Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Jikun Li
- Key Laboratory of Photochemistry CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Ning Zhao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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18
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Huang Y, Xu Y, Bisoyi HK, Liu Z, Wang J, Tao Y, Yang T, Huang S, Yang H, Li Q. Photocontrollable Elongation Actuation of Liquid Crystal Elastomer Films with Well-Defined Crease Structures. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2304378. [PMID: 37421658 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202304378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Although liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) have demonstrated various applications in artificial muscles and soft robotics, their inherent flexibility and orientation-dependent forces limit their functions. For instance, LCEs can sustain a high actuation force when they contract but cannot elongate to drive loads with large displacements. In this study, it is demonstrated that photocontrollable elongation actuation with a large strain can be achieved in polydomain LCEs by programming the crease structures in a well-defined order to couple the actuation forces. Efficient photoactuation without overheating-induced damage to the materials is favored, based on the well-designed photosensitive molecular switch crosslinker via the synergy of photochemical and photothermal effects. The LCE actuator can jack up heavy loads, elongate freely, and contract back to manipulate distant objects. Theoretical analysis based on a finite element simulation of the deformation energy during the actuation process reveals a trade-off between the abilities of jacking-up and withstanding load. More importantly, this study simplifies the design of a single material with functions inherent only in other soft robotic devices based on the assembly of multiple modules, thus providing a design strategy for surpassing instinctive properties of conventional soft materials to expand the functions of soft robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinliang Huang
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Yiyi Xu
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Hari Krishna Bisoyi
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Zhongcheng Liu
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Jinyu Wang
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Yu Tao
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Shuai Huang
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Quan Li
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
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19
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Fang W, Mu Z, He Y, Kong K, Jiang K, Tang R, Liu Z. Organic-inorganic covalent-ionic molecules for elastic ceramic plastic. Nature 2023:10.1038/s41586-023-06117-1. [PMID: 37286604 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06117-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Although organic-inorganic hybrid materials have played indispensable roles as mechanical1-4, optical5,6, electronic7,8 and biomedical materials9-11, isolated organic-inorganic hybrid molecules (at present limited to covalent compounds12,13) are seldom used to prepare hybrid materials, owing to the distinct behaviours of organic covalent bonds14 and inorganic ionic bonds15 in molecular construction. Here we integrate typical covalent and ionic bonds within one molecule to create an organic-inorganic hybrid molecule, which can be used for bottom-up syntheses of hybrid materials. A combination of the organic covalent thioctic acid (TA) and the inorganic ionic calcium carbonate oligomer (CCO) through an acid-base reaction provides a TA-CCO hybrid molecule with the representative molecular formula TA2Ca(CaCO3)2. Its dual reactivity involving copolymerization of the organic TA segment and inorganic CCO segment generates the respective covalent and ionic networks. The two networks are interconnected through TA-CCO complexes to form a covalent-ionic bicontinuous structure within the resulting hybrid material, poly(TA-CCO), which unifies paradoxical mechanical properties. The reversible binding of Ca2+-CO32- bonds in the ionic network and S-S bonds in the covalent network ensures material reprocessability with plastic-like mouldability while preserving thermal stability. The coexistence of ceramic-like, rubber-like and plastic-like behaviours within poly(TA-CCO) goes beyond current classifications of materials to generate an 'elastic ceramic plastic'. The bottom-up creation of organic-inorganic hybrid molecules provides a feasible pathway for the molecular engineering of hybrid materials, thereby supplementing the classical methodology used for the manufacture of organic-inorganic hybrid materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weifeng Fang
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhao Mu
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan He
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kangren Kong
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kai Jiang
- Engineering Research Center of Nanophotonics & Advanced Instrument (Ministry of Education), Department of Physics, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruikang Tang
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Silicon Materials, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Zhaoming Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Silicon Materials, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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20
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Ma S, Wang L, Zhou Y, Zhang H. Fully Room Temperature Reprogrammable, Recyclable, and Photomobile Soft Actuators from Physically Cross-Linked Main-Chain Azobenzene Liquid Crystalline Polymers. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28104174. [PMID: 37241914 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28104174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fully room temperature three-dimensional (3D) shape-reprogrammable, recyclable, and photomobile azobenzene (azo) polymer actuators hold much promise in many photoactuating applications, but their development is challenging. Herein, we report on the efficient synthesis of a series of main-chain azo liquid crystalline polymers (LCPs) with such performances via Michael addition polymerization. They have both ester groups and two kinds of hydrogen bond-forming groups (i.e., amide and secondary amino groups) and different flexible spacer length in the backbones. Such poly(ester-amide-secondary amine)s (PEAsAs) show low glass transition temperatures (Tg ≤ 18.4 °C), highly ordered smectic liquid crystalline phases, and reversible photoresponsivity. Their uniaxially oriented fibers fabricated via the melt spinning method exhibit good mechanical strength and photoinduced reversible bending/unbending and large stress at room temperature, which are largely influenced by the flexible spacer length of the polymers. Importantly, all these fibers can be easily reprogrammed under strain at 25 °C into stable fiber springs capable of showing a totally different photomobile mode (i.e., unwinding/winding), mainly owing to the presence of low Tg and both dynamic hydrogen bonding and stable crystalline domains (induced by the uniaxial drawing during the fiber formation). They can also be recycled from a solution at 25 °C. This work not only presents the first azo LCPs with 3D shape reprogrammability, recyclability, and photomobility at room temperature, but also provides some important knowledge of their structure-property relationship, which is useful for designing more advanced photodeformable azo polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengkui Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), and College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), and College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), and College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Huiqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), and College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
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21
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Yang B, Ji Y, Cai F, Yu H. Surface Morphing of Azopolymers toward Advanced Anticounterfeiting Enabled by a Two-Step Method: Light Writing and Then Reading in Liquid. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:23804-23812. [PMID: 37145983 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c03807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Surface morphing of organic materials is necessary for advances in semiconductor processing, optical gratings, anticounterfeiting etc., but it is still challenging, especially for its fundamental explanation and further applications like advanced anticounterfeiting. Here, we report one strategy to acquire surface deformation of the liquid-crystalline azopolymer film using a two-step method: selective photoisomerization of azopolymers and then solvent development. In the first step, surface tension of the polymer film can be patterned by the selective photoisomerization of azopolymers, and then in the second step, the flowing solvent drags the underlying polymer to transport, leading to the formation of surface deformation. Interestingly, the direction of mass transport is opposite to the traditional Marangoni flow, and the principle of solvents' choice is the matching of surface tensions between the azopolymer and the solvent. The two-step method shows characteristics of efficient surface morphing, which could be applied in advanced anticounterfeiting by the way of photomask-assistant information writing or microscale direct writing, and then reading in a specific liquid environment. This paves a new way for understanding the mechanism of mass transport toward numerous unprecedented applications using various photoresponsive materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Yang
- School of Material Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yufan Ji
- School of Material Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Feng Cai
- School of Material Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Haifeng Yu
- School of Material Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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22
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Gao J, Zhang Q, Wu B, Gao X, Liu Z, Yang H, Yuan J, Huang J. Mussel-Inspired, Underwater Self-Healing Ionoelastomers Based on α-Lipoic Acid for Iontronics. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2207334. [PMID: 36869411 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202207334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Weak adhesion and lack of underwater self-healability hinder advancing soft iontronics particularly in wet environments like sweaty skin and biological fluids. Mussel-inspired, liquid-free ionoelastomers are reported based on seminal thermal ring-opening polymerization of a biomass molecule of α-lipoic acid (LA), followed by sequentially incorporating dopamine methacrylamide as a chain extender, N,N'-bis(acryloyl) cystamine, and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulphonyl) imide (LiTFSI). The ionoelastomers exhibit universal adhesion to 12 substrates in both dry and wet states, superfast self-healing underwater, sensing capability for monitoring human motion, and flame retardancy. The underwater self-repairabilitiy prolongs over three months without deterioration, and sustains even when mechanical properties greatly increase. The unprecedented underwater self-mendability benefits synergistically from the maximized availability of dynamic disulfide bonds and diverse reversible noncovalent interactions endowed by carboxylic groups, catechols, and LiTFSI, along with the prevented depolymerization by LiTFSI and tunability in mechanical strength. The ionic conductivity reaches 1.4 × 10-6 -2.7 × 10-5 S m-1 because of partial dissociation of LiTFSI. The design rationale offers a new route for creating a wide range of LA- and sulfur-derived supramolecular (bio)polymers with superior adhesion, healability, and other functionalities, and thus has technological implications for coatings, adhesives, binders and sealants, biomedical engineering and drug delivery, wearable and flexible electronics, and human-machine interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxiang Gao
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology and Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Qing Zhang
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology and Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Bo Wu
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology and Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Xiaodan Gao
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology and Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Zhengyuan Liu
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology and Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Haoyu Yang
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology and Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jikang Yuan
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Green Energy Materials and Battery Cascade Utilization, School of Intelligent Manufacturing, Huzhou College, Huzhou, Zhejiang, 313000, P. R. China
| | - Jijun Huang
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology and Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
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23
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Wu D, Zhang Y, Yang H, Wei A, Zhang Y, Mensah A, Yin R, Lv P, Feng Q, Wei Q. Scalable functionalized liquid crystal elastomer fiber soft actuators with multi-stimulus responses and photoelectric conversion. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2023. [PMID: 37092244 DOI: 10.1039/d3mh00336a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) fibers exhibit large deformation and reversibility, making them an ideal candidate for soft actuators. It is still challenging to develop a scalable strategy and endow fiber actuators with photoelectric functions to achieve tailorable photo-electro-thermal responsiveness and rapid large actuation deformation. Herein, we fabricated a multiresponsive actuator that consists of LCE long fibers obtained by continuous dry spinning and further coated it with polydopamine (PDA)-modified MXene ink. The designed PDA@MXene-integrated LCE fiber is used for shape-deformable and multi-trigger actuators that can be photo- and electro-thermally actuated. The proposed LCE fiber actuator combines an excellent photothermal and long-term electrically conductive PDA@MXene and a shape-morphing LCE fiber, enabling their robust mechanical flexibility, multiple fast responses (∼0.4 s), and stable and large actuation deformation (∼60%). As a proof-of-concept, we present near-infrared light-driven artificial muscle that can lift 1000 times the weight and an intelligent circuit switch with stable controllability and fast responsiveness (∼0.1 s). Importantly, an adaptive smart window system that integrates light-driven energy harvesting/conversion functions is ingeniously constructed by the integration of a propellable curtain woven by the designed fiber and solar cells. This work can provide insights into the development of advanced intelligent materials toward soft robotics, sustainable energy savings and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingsheng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Textiles, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Textile Fabrics, College of Textiles and Clothing, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu 241000, P. R. China.
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Textiles, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China.
| | - Hanrui Yang
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Textiles, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China.
| | - Anfang Wei
- Key Laboratory of Textile Fabrics, College of Textiles and Clothing, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu 241000, P. R. China.
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Textiles, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China.
| | - Alfred Mensah
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Textiles, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China.
| | - Rui Yin
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Textiles, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China.
| | - Pengfei Lv
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Textiles, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Energy Materials Chemistry (Ministry of Education), Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan 250353, P. R. China
| | - Quan Feng
- Key Laboratory of Textile Fabrics, College of Textiles and Clothing, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu 241000, P. R. China.
| | - Qufu Wei
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Textiles, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China.
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24
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Jayoti D, Peeketi AR, Kumbhar PY, Swaminathan N, Annabattula RK. Geometry Controlled Oscillations in Liquid Crystal Polymer Films Triggered by Thermal Feedback. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:18362-18371. [PMID: 36975405 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c02472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Light-induced oscillatory behavior of liquid crystal polymer network (LCN) films has been demonstrated by several researchers in the past decade. Similarly, oscillations in LCN films under constant thermal stimulus have been reported recently, although the mechanism and the factors that govern the oscillatory behavior are not well understood. In this work, we study the dynamics of self-sustained oscillations exhibited by LCN films under a constant thermal stimulus through experiments and simulations. Geometrically asymmetric films such as a right triangle and an equilateral triangle are obtained from a twisted nematic square film. A multiphysics computational framework using the finite element method is developed to simulate the oscillatory behavior of the LCN films kept on a hot plate. The framework accounts for a coupling between heat transfer and mechanical deformations during the oscillations. Small temperature fluctuations (≈ 1 °C) coupled with gravity induced torque are shown to drive the oscillatory behavior at a specific plate temperature. We show for the first time that self-sustained oscillations can also be achieved in symmetric shapes, such as square films, by creating a thickness tapering between two opposite edges. The frequency of the oscillations is found to be in the range of 0.5 to 2.5 Hz for different geometries studied. The oscillation temperature depends on the mean thickness, size, and thickness profile of the films. As a possible application, we demonstrate a thermally actuated optical chopper using the oscillatory response of the films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Jayoti
- Center for Soft and Biological Matter, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Akhil Reddy Peeketi
- Center for Soft and Biological Matter, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Pramod Yallappa Kumbhar
- Center for Soft and Biological Matter, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Narasimhan Swaminathan
- Center for Soft and Biological Matter, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Ratna Kumar Annabattula
- Center for Soft and Biological Matter, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
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25
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Zheng X, Ma Q, Tao Y, Huang Y, Li M, Ji H. Ultrasonic-Excited Ultrafast Seamless Integration of Heterostructured Liquid Crystalline Elastomers for Multi-responsive Soft Actuators. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:13609-13617. [PMID: 36857738 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c21888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Multicomponent/heterostructured liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) have recently garnered extensive attention for the design of soft robots with high dexterity and flexibility. However, the reported integration strategies of LCEs seriously suffer from high welding temperature, long processing time, and poor joint quality. Herein, the high-efficiency seamless ultrasonic welding (UW) of reprogrammable silver nanowire-LCE composites (AgNW-LCEs) have been realized without any auxiliary reagents based on the dynamic silver-disulfide coordination interactions. The elaborate combination of silver-disulfide coordination interactions and UW technology establishes an effective double-network welding mechanism of AgNWs and dynamic LC networks due to the high-frequency vibration at the welding interface. During the UW process, monolithic AgNW-LCEs can be integrated into heterostructured actuators at room temperature for 0.68 s. Furthermore, the welded AgNW-LCEs demonstrate an exceptional strain healing efficiency of ∼100%, a stress healing efficiency of ∼85%, and a maintained orientation of the LC alignment. Taking advantage of the high-efficiency UW technology, the heterostructured AgNW-LCE actuators with different LC alignments or LC monomers have been successfully implemented for a multi-degree-of-freedom soft robotic arm and a time-modulated flower-mimic actuator. This work provides an efficient approach toward the development of multi-responsive entirely soft actuators based on smart polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiong Zheng
- The State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Flexible Printed Electronics Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuchen Ma
- The State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Flexible Printed Electronics Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Tao
- The State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Flexible Printed Electronics Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Huang
- The State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Flexible Printed Electronics Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingyu Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Flexible Printed Electronics Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongjun Ji
- The State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Flexible Printed Electronics Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China
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26
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Mondal A, Das S, Ali SM, Kolay S, Sengupta A, Molla MR. Bioderived Lipoic Acid-Based Dynamic Covalent Nanonetworks of Poly(disulfide)s: Enhanced Encapsulation Stability and Cancer Cell-Selective Delivery of Drugs. Bioconjug Chem 2023; 34:489-500. [PMID: 36693213 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.2c00493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Dynamic covalent poly(disulfide)-based cross-linked nanoaggregates, termed nanonetworks (NNs), endowed with pH- and redox-responsive degradation features have been fabricated for stable noncovalent encapsulation and triggered cargo release in a controlled fashion. A bioderived lipoic acid-based Gemini surfactant-like amphiphilic molecule was synthesized for the preparation of nanoaggregates. It self-assembles by a entropy-driven self-assembly process in aqueous milieu. To further stabilize the self-assembled nanostructure, the core was cross-linked by ring-opening disulfide exchange polymerization (RODEP) of 1,2-dithiolane rings situated inside the core of the nanoaggregates. The cross-linked nanoaggregates, i.e., nanonetwork, are found to be stable in the presence of blood serum, and also, they maintain the self-assembled structure even below the critical aggregation concentration (CAC) as probed by dynamic light scattering (DLS) experiments. The nanonetwork showed almost 50% reduction in guest leakage compared to that of the nanoaggregates as shown by the release profile in the absence of stimuli, suggesting high encapsulation stability as evidenced by the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) experiment. The decross-linking of the nanonetwork occurs in response to redox and pH stimuli due to disulfide reduction and β-thioester hydrolysis, respectively, thus empowering disassembly-mediated controlled cargo release up to ∼87% for 55 h of incubation. The biological evaluation of the doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded nanonetwork revealed environment-specific surface charge modulation-mediated cancer cell-selective cellular uptake and cytotoxicity. The benign nature of the nanonetwork toward normal cells makes the system very promising in targeted drug delivery applications. Thus, the ease of synthesis, nanonetwork fabrication reproducibility, robust stability, triggered drug release in a controlled fashion, and cell-selective cytotoxicity behavior, we believe, will make the system a potential candidate in the development of robust materials for chemotherapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Mondal
- Department of Chemistry, University of Calcutta, 92 A. P. C. Road, Kolkata 700009, India
| | - Shreya Das
- Department of Life Science & Biotechnology, Jadavpur University, 188 R. S. C. M. Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Sk Mursed Ali
- Department of Chemistry, University of Calcutta, 92 A. P. C. Road, Kolkata 700009, India
| | - Soumya Kolay
- Department of Chemistry, University of Calcutta, 92 A. P. C. Road, Kolkata 700009, India
| | - Arunima Sengupta
- Department of Life Science & Biotechnology, Jadavpur University, 188 R. S. C. M. Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Mijanur Rahaman Molla
- Department of Chemistry, University of Calcutta, 92 A. P. C. Road, Kolkata 700009, India
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27
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Liang H, Wu Y, Zhang Y, Chen E, Wei Y, Ji Y. Elastomers Grow into Actuators. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2209853. [PMID: 36604968 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202209853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
It is common knowledge that when an elastomer (rubber) is stretched, its length will be maintained if its two ends are fixed. Here, it is serendipitously found that when an elastomer is slowly elongated further to achieve buckling under such conditions, the final length is much longer than the pre-stretched length. This allows the design of untethered autonomous synthetic-material-based soft robots that do not need any other chemical or electrical energy sources or external stimuli after the pre-strain is installed. Once the growth starts, the elongation continues to proceed even when the applied force is removed. Moreover, the elastomer, after growing, eventually forms a robust soft actuator that can be reshaped for different purposes. Few synthetic materials can grow like this, so far. This investigation shows that the material has an uncommon liquid crystal phase. Contrary to normal liquid crystals, it becomes birefringent only at high temperatures. The formation and the reshaping of the resulting soft actuators relate to a usually unnoticed reversible reaction. The work is promising to promote further understanding of dynamic covalent chemistry and liquid crystal elastomers, as well as to foster new designs and high-impact applications of bioinspired sustainable soft actuators in areas other than soft robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Liang
- The Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yahe Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yubai Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Erqiang Chen
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yen Wei
- The Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Nanotechnology and Institute of Biomedical Technology, Chung-Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taiwan, 32023, China
| | - Yan Ji
- The Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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28
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Upadhyay C, Ojha U. Stress-Induced Shape-Shifting Materials Possessing Autonomous Self-Healing and Scratch-Resistant Ability. Chem Asian J 2023; 18:e202201082. [PMID: 36637865 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202201082] [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: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) capable of both shape-shifting and self-healing ability offer a viable alternative to 4D printing technology to gain access to various complex shapes in a simplified manner. However, most of the reported CANs exhibit shape-shifting ability in the presence of temperature, light or chemical stimuli, which restricts their further utilization as realization of such a controlled environment is not feasible under complex scenarios. Herewith, we report a set of CANs based on a room-temperature exchangeable thia-Michael adduct, which undergoes rearrangement in network topology on application of external stress. These CANs with tensile strength (≤6 MPa) and modulus (≤71.4 MPa) adopt to any programmed shape under application of nominal stress. The CANs also exhibit stress-induced recyclability, self-welding and self-healing ability under ambient conditions. The transparency and ambient condition self-healing ability render these CANs to be utilized as scratch-resistant coatings on display items.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandan Upadhyay
- Department of Chemistry, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Jais, Bahadurpur, UP, 229304, India
| | - Umaprasana Ojha
- Department of Chemistry, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Jais, Bahadurpur, UP, 229304, India
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29
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Nelson BR, Kirkpatrick BE, Miksch CE, Davidson MD, Skillin NP, Hach GK, Khang A, Hummel SN, Fairbanks BD, Burdick JA, Bowman CN, Anseth KS. Photoinduced Dithiolane Crosslinking for Multiresponsive Dynamic Hydrogels. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023:e2211209. [PMID: 36715698 PMCID: PMC10387131 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202211209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
While many hydrogels are elastic networks crosslinked by covalent bonds, viscoelastic hydrogels with adaptable crosslinks are increasingly being developed to better recapitulate time and position-dependent processes found in many tissues. In this work, 1,2-dithiolanes are presented as dynamic covalent photocrosslinkers of hydrogels, resulting in disulfide bonds throughout the hydrogel that respond to multiple stimuli. Using lipoic acid as a model dithiolane, disulfide crosslinks are formed under physiological conditions, enabling cell encapsulation via an initiator-free light-induced dithiolane ring-opening photopolymerization. The resulting hydrogels allow for multiple photoinduced dynamic responses including stress relaxation, stiffening, softening, and network functionalization using a single chemistry, which can be supplemented by permanent reaction with alkenes to further control network properties and connectivity using irreversible thioether crosslinks. Moreover, complementary photochemical approaches are used to achieve rapid and complete sample degradation via radical scission and post-gelation network stiffening when irradiated in the presence of reactive gel precursor. The results herein demonstrate the versatility of this material chemistry to study and direct 2D and 3D cell-material interactions. This work highlights dithiolane-based hydrogel photocrosslinking as a robust method for generating adaptable hydrogels with a range of biologically relevant mechanical and chemical properties that are varied on demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin R Nelson
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Bruce E Kirkpatrick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Connor E Miksch
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Matthew D Davidson
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Nathaniel P Skillin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Grace K Hach
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Alex Khang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Sydney N Hummel
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Benjamin D Fairbanks
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Jason A Burdick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Christopher N Bowman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
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30
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Recyclable polythioesters and polydisulfides with near-equilibrium thermodynamics and dynamic covalent bonds. Sci China Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s11426-022-1418-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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31
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Guillen Campos J, Stricker F, Clark KD, Park M, Bailey SJ, Kuenstler AS, Hayward RC, Read de Alaniz J. Controlled Diels-Alder "Click" Strategy to Access Mechanically Aligned Main-Chain Liquid Crystal Networks. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202214339. [PMID: 36315038 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202214339] [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: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Aligned liquid crystal polymers are materials of interest for electronic, optic, biological and soft robotic applications. The manufacturing and processing of these materials have been widely explored with mechanical alignment establishing itself as a preferred method due to its ease of use and widespread applicability. However, the fundamental chemistry behind the required two-step polymerization for mechanical alignment has limitations in both fabrication and substrate compatibility. In this work we introduce a new protection-deprotection approach utilizing a two-stage Diels-Alder cyclopentadiene-maleimide step-growth polymerization to enable mild yet efficient, fast, controlled, reproducible and user-friendly polymerizations, broadening the scope of liquid crystal systems. Thorough characterization of the films by DSC, DMA, POM and WAXD show the successful synthesis of a uniaxially aligned liquid crystal network with thermomechanical actuation abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesus Guillen Campos
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Friedrich Stricker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Kyle D Clark
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Minwook Park
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Sophia J Bailey
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Alexa S Kuenstler
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80305, USA
| | - Ryan C Hayward
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80305, USA
| | - Javier Read de Alaniz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
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32
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Yu BY, Yue DW, Hou KX, Ju L, Chen H, Ding C, Liu ZG, Dai YQ, Bisoyi HK, Guan YS, Lu WB, Li CH, Li Q. Stretchable and self-healable spoof plasmonic meta-waveguide for wearable wireless communication system. LIGHT, SCIENCE & APPLICATIONS 2022; 11:307. [PMID: 36280662 PMCID: PMC9592613 DOI: 10.1038/s41377-022-01005-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microwave transmission lines in wearable systems are easily damaged after frequent mechanical deformation, posing a severe threat to wireless communication. Here, we report a new strategy to achieve stretchable microwave transmission lines with superior reliability and durability by integrating a self-healable elastomer with serpentine-geometry plasmonic meta-waveguide to support the spoof surface plasmon polariton (SSPP). After mechanical damage, the self-healable elastomer can autonomously repair itself to maintain the electromagnetic performance and mechanical strength. Meanwhile, the specially designed SSPP structure exhibits excellent stability and damage resistance. Even if the self-healing process has not been completed or the eventual repair effect is not ideal, the spoof plasmonic meta-waveguide can still maintain reliable performance. Self-healing material enhances strength and durability, while the SSPP improves stability and gives more tolerance to the self-healing process. Our design coordinates the structural design with material synthesis to maximize the advantages of the SSPP and self-healing material, significantly improving the reliability and durability of stretchable microwave transmission lines. We also perform communication quality experiments to demonstrate the potential of the proposed meta-waveguide as interconnects in future body area network systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bu-Yun Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Millimeter Waves, School of Information Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- Center for Flexible RF Technology, Frontiers Science Center for Mobile Information Communication and Security, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- Purple Mountain Laboratories, Nanjing, 211111, China
| | - De-Wei Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Ke-Xin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Lu Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Millimeter Waves, School of Information Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- Center for Flexible RF Technology, Frontiers Science Center for Mobile Information Communication and Security, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- Purple Mountain Laboratories, Nanjing, 211111, China
| | - Hao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Millimeter Waves, School of Information Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- Center for Flexible RF Technology, Frontiers Science Center for Mobile Information Communication and Security, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Cong Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Millimeter Waves, School of Information Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- Center for Flexible RF Technology, Frontiers Science Center for Mobile Information Communication and Security, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Zhen-Guo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Millimeter Waves, School of Information Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- Center for Flexible RF Technology, Frontiers Science Center for Mobile Information Communication and Security, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- Purple Mountain Laboratories, Nanjing, 211111, China
| | - Yun-Qian Dai
- Purple Mountain Laboratories, Nanjing, 211111, China
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Hari Krishna Bisoyi
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Ying-Shi Guan
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Wei-Bing Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Millimeter Waves, School of Information Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China.
- Center for Flexible RF Technology, Frontiers Science Center for Mobile Information Communication and Security, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China.
- Purple Mountain Laboratories, Nanjing, 211111, China.
| | - Cheng-Hui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Quan Li
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.
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33
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Li X, Shi Q, Wei H, Zhao X, Tong Z, Zhu X. Soft Gripper with Electro-Thermally Driven Artificial Fingers Made of Tri-layer Polymers and a Dry Adhesive Surface. Biomimetics (Basel) 2022; 7:biomimetics7040167. [PMID: 36278724 PMCID: PMC9624333 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics7040167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Soft grippers have attracted great interest in the soft robotics research field. Due to their lack of deformability and control over compliance, it can be challenging for them to pick up objects that are too large or too small in size. In particular, compliant objects are vulnerable to the large grasping force. Therefore, it is crucial to be able to adjust the stiffness of the gripper materials. In this study, a soft gripper consisting of three artificial fingers is reported on. Each of the artificial fingers is made of a tri-layer polymer structure. An exterior layer, made of an ecoflex–graphene composite is embedded with electric wires as a heating source, by applying direct-current potential. The Joule heat not only allows for deformation of the exterior layer, but also transfers heat to the middle layer of the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomer. As a result, the stiffness of the TPU layer can be adjusted using electro-thermal heating. Meanwhile, the third layer consists of a polydimethylsiloxane replica as a supporting layer with a gecko-inspired dry adhesive structure. By applying voltage through electric wires, the artificial fingers can bend and, thus, the soft gripper can hold the objects, with the help of the dry adhesive layer. Finally, objects like a shuttlecock, tennis ball and a glass beaker, can be picked up by the soft gripper. This research may provide an insight for the design and fabrication of soft robotic manipulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangmeng Li
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
- Correspondence: (X.L.); (H.W.)
| | - Qiangshengjie Shi
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
| | - Huifen Wei
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
- Correspondence: (X.L.); (H.W.)
| | - Xiaodong Zhao
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
| | - Zhe Tong
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
| | - Xijing Zhu
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
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34
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Lu J, Xu Z, Fu H, Lin Y, Wang H, Lu H. Room-Temperature Grafting from Synthesis of Protein-Polydisulfide Conjugates via Aggregation-Induced Polymerization. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:15709-15717. [PMID: 35976716 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c05997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The reversible modification of proteins with lipoic acid (LPA)-derived polydisulfides (PDS) is an important approach toward the transient regulation and on-demand recovery of protein functions. The in situ growth of PDS from the cysteine (Cys) residue of a protein, however, has been challenging due to the near-equilibrium thermodynamics of the ring-opening polymerization of LPA. Here, we report the protein-mediated, aggregation-induced polymerization (AIP) of amphiphilic LPA-derived monomers at room temperature, which can be performed at a concentration as low as ∼2% of the equilibrium monomer concentration normally needed. The aggregation of monomers increases the effective monomer concentration in aqueous solutions to the degree that the polymerizations behave similarly to those in bulk. The PDS conjugation enhances the thermostability, protease resistance, and tolerance to freeze-thaw treatments of the target proteins. Moreover, the PDS conjugation allows rapid and convenient purification of Cys-bearing proteins by taking advantage of the liquid-liquid phase separation of the protein-PDS conjugates and the full recovery of native proteins under mild reducing conditions. This AIP effect may shed light on facilitating other polymerizations with a similar near-equilibrium character. The PDS conjugation can open up new avenues to protein delivery, dynamic and reversible protein engineering, enzyme preservation, and recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Lu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhun Xu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Hailin Fu
- Institute of Materials Science & Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Yao Lin
- Institute of Materials Science & Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Huan Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Lu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, People's Republic of China
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35
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Zhang P, de Haan LT, Debije MG, Schenning APHJ. Liquid crystal-based structural color actuators. LIGHT, SCIENCE & APPLICATIONS 2022; 11:248. [PMID: 35931672 PMCID: PMC9356073 DOI: 10.1038/s41377-022-00937-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Animals can modify their body shape and/or color for protection, camouflage and communication. This adaptability has inspired fabrication of actuators with structural color changes to endow soft robots with additional functionalities. Using liquid crystal-based materials for actuators with structural color changes is a promising approach. In this review, we discuss the current state of liquid crystal-based actuators with structural color changes and the potential applications of these structural color actuators in soft robotic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Zhang
- Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Laurens T de Haan
- Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- SCNU-TUE Joint Lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Michael G Debije
- Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Albert P H J Schenning
- Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
- SCNU-TUE Joint Lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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36
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Wu J, Zhang J, Liu Y, Wang J, Zhang C, Yan J, Li W, Masuda T, Whittaker AK, Zhang A. Supramolecular Chiral Assembly of Symmetric Molecules with an Extended Conjugated Core. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:33734-33745. [PMID: 35834778 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c09752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
C3-symmetric molecules carrying a conjugated diacetylene (DA) core are found to self-assemble into well-defined supramolecular fibers with enhanced supramolecular chirality in both organic and aqueous solutions. The conjugated core affords these amphiphiles characteristic fluorescence properties, which can be quenched partially due to the aggregation. Integration of the C3-symmetry with the conjugation provides these novel molecules strong aggregation tendency through solvent-mediated π-π stacking with preferential supramolecular chirality, which is predominately related to steric hindrance from their dipeptide pendants. Highly uniform supramolecular fibers of P and M handedness with thickness consistent in the dimensions of individual C3 molecules are obtained. The increase of concentrations induces these fibers to wrap together to form supramolecular fibrous bundles. Topochemical polymerization of the DA moieties can transform these supramolecular fibers into stable covalent polymers. We therefore believe that self-assembly of these C3-symmetric molecules with extended conjugated DA cores provides new prospects for the construction of supramolecular helical fibers through enhanced π-π stacking and creates a convenient strategy to furnish covalent chiral polymers of hierarchical structures through supramolecular assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jindiao Wu
- International Joint Laboratory of Biomimetic and Smart Polymers, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 20444, P. R. China
| | - Jianan Zhang
- International Joint Laboratory of Biomimetic and Smart Polymers, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 20444, P. R. China
| | - Yanjun Liu
- International Joint Laboratory of Biomimetic and Smart Polymers, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 20444, P. R. China
| | - Jun Wang
- International Joint Laboratory of Biomimetic and Smart Polymers, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 20444, P. R. China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Jiatao Yan
- International Joint Laboratory of Biomimetic and Smart Polymers, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 20444, P. R. China
| | - Wen Li
- International Joint Laboratory of Biomimetic and Smart Polymers, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 20444, P. R. China
| | - Toshio Masuda
- International Joint Laboratory of Biomimetic and Smart Polymers, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 20444, P. R. China
| | - Andrew K Whittaker
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Afang Zhang
- International Joint Laboratory of Biomimetic and Smart Polymers, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 20444, P. R. China
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37
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Lugger SJD, Verbroekken RMC, Mulder DJ, Schenning APHJ. Direct Ink Writing of Recyclable Supramolecular Soft Actuators. ACS Macro Lett 2022; 11:935-940. [PMID: 35802869 PMCID: PMC9301911 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.2c00359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Direct ink writing (DIW) of liquid crystal elastomers
(LCEs) has
rapidly paved its way into the field of soft actuators and other stimuli-responsive
devices. However, currently used LCE systems for DIW require postprinting
(photo)polymerization, thereby forming a covalent network, making
the process time-consuming and the material nonrecyclable. In this
work, a DIW approach is developed for printing a supramolecular poly(thio)urethane
LCE to overcome these drawbacks of permanent cross-linking. The thermo-reversible
nature of the supramolecular cross-links enables the interplay between
melt-processable behavior required for extrusion and formation of
the network to fix the alignment. After printing, the actuators demonstrated
a reversible contraction of 12.7% or bending and curling motions when
printed on a passive substrate. The thermoplastic ink enables recyclability,
as shown by cutting and printing the actuators five times. However,
the actuation performance diminishes. This work highlights the potential
of supramolecular LCE inks for DIW soft circular actuators and other
devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean J D Lugger
- Laboratory of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ruth M C Verbroekken
- Laboratory of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk J Mulder
- Laboratory of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Albert P H J Schenning
- Laboratory of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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38
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Xiao YY, Jiang ZC, Hou JB, Chen XS, Zhao Y. Electrically driven liquid crystal network actuators. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:4850-4867. [PMID: 35730498 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00544a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Soft actuators based on liquid crystal networks (LCNs) have aroused great scientific interest for use as stimuli-controlled shape-changing and moving components for robotic devices due to their fast, large, programmable and solvent-free actuation responses. Recently, various LCN actuators have been implemented in soft robotics using stimulus sources such as heat, light, humidity and chemical reactions. Among them, electrically driven LCN actuators allow easy modulation and programming of the input electrical signals (amplitude, phase, and frequency) as well as stimulation throughout the volume, rendering them promising actuators for practical applications. Herein, the progress of electrically driven LCN actuators regarding their construction, actuation mechanisms, actuation performance, actuation programmability and the design strategies for intelligent systems is elucidated. We also discuss new robotic functions and advanced actuation control. Finally, an outlook is provided, highlighting the research challenges faced with this type of actuator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Yu Xiao
- Département de Chimie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
| | - Zhi-Chao Jiang
- Département de Chimie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
| | - Jun-Bo Hou
- Département de Chimie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
| | - Xin-Shi Chen
- Département de Chimie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
| | - Yue Zhao
- Département de Chimie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
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39
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Hu Z, Xu N, An Z, Wang B, Lu F, Tian B, Yao G, Liu Y, Liu L, Huang Y. γ-Ray-driven degradation of robust epoxy thermosets. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2022; 9:1495-1502. [PMID: 35315458 DOI: 10.1039/d1mh01971f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The γ ray is a promising candidate for thermoset material degradation owing to its high energy, strong penetrability, low carbon emission and economy. However, the development of irradiation degradation technology is limited by irradiation cross-linking and irradiation degradation simultaneously, and a controllable degradation remains a considerable challenge. Herein, we exploit stable conjugated linkages, phenyl imine conjugated N-N bonds, for the γ-ray-induced controllable cleavage of polymer chains. Using this distinctive conjugated structure, we design γ-ray-responsive epoxy networks that can be readily degraded at a dose of 40 kGy at room temperature and show mechanical properties, thermal properties and chemical resistance comparable to commodity epoxy resins. Additionally, the incorporation of a radical scavenger can reduce the uncontrolled recombination of degradation segments, which further accelerates the degradation of the epoxy thermosets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Hu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Ningdi Xu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Ziqiang An
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Baolong Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Fei Lu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Bo Tian
- Technical Physics Institute of Heilongjiang Academy of Sciences, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Gang Yao
- Technical Physics Institute of Heilongjiang Academy of Sciences, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Yingying Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Li Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Yudong Huang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
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40
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Wang X, Liu K, Liu Y, Xie T, Hua J. Dynamic ionic behavior of gel-free diolefin rubber-based carboxylate ionomers prepared via olefin metathesis. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:2577-2584. [PMID: 35293931 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00098a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Constructing dynamic ionic bonding interactions is acknowledged as an efficient strategy to improve the physical-mechanical characteristics of rubber materials, and to provide them with some novel features such as self-healing. However, currently reported grafting-modification approaches such as free-radical and anionic reactions inevitably induced the generation of rubber gels, which is unfavorable for their practical applications. In this work, we fabricated a gel-free carbonylated diolefin rubber based on the olefin metathesis reaction. Furthermore, a diolefin rubber-based ionomer was prepared through the complexation of carbonylated diolefin rubber and sodium hydroxide. Compared with pure diolefin rubber, the resultant ionomers exhibited a higher glass transition temperature (Tg), higher mechanical strength and higher damping properties. Moreover, these ionomers were provided with apparent self-healing behavior. This was primarily because of the increased dynamic ionic bonding interactions induced by the formation of multi-ion-pair cluster structures, a unique intermolecular interaction that exists in the ionomers. Consequently, the gel-free diolefin rubber-based ionomers offer some brand-new applications, such as artificial skin and high-performance "green" tires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Wang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
| | - Kai Liu
- Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Yudong Liu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
| | - Tinghao Xie
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
| | - Jing Hua
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
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41
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Hu J, Yu M, Wang M, Choy KL, Yu H. Design, Regulation, and Applications of Soft Actuators Based on Liquid-Crystalline Polymers and Their Composites. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:12951-12963. [PMID: 35259869 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c25103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Soft actuators designed from stimuli-responsive polymers often possess a certain amount of bionic functionality because of their versatile deformation. Liquid-crystalline polymers (LCPs) and their composites are among the most fascinating materials for soft actuators due to their great advantages of flexible structure design and easy regulation. In this Spotlight on Applications, we mainly focus on our group's latest research progress in soft actuators based on LCPs and their composites. Some representative research findings from other groups are also included for a better understanding of this research field. Above all, the essential principles for the responsive behavior and reconfigurable performance of the soft actuators are discussed, from the perspective of material morphology and structure design. Further on, we analyze recent work on how to precisely regulate the responsive modes and quantify the operating parameters of soft actuators. Finally, some application examples are given to demonstrate well-designed soft actuators with different functions under varied working environments, which is expected to provide inspiration for future research in developing more intelligent and multifunctional integrated soft actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Hu
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Shenyang University, Shenyang 110044, People's Republic of China
- Institute of New Structural Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, and Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingming Yu
- College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingqing Wang
- Institute for Materials Discovery, University College of London, London WC1E 7JE, United Kingdom
| | - Kwang-Leong Choy
- Institute for Materials Discovery, University College of London, London WC1E 7JE, United Kingdom
| | - Haifeng Yu
- Institute of New Structural Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, and Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, People's Republic of China
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42
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Zhang Q, Qu DH, Feringa BL, Tian H. Disulfide-Mediated Reversible Polymerization toward Intrinsically Dynamic Smart Materials. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:2022-2033. [PMID: 34990126 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c10359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The development of a dynamic chemistry toolbox to endow materials dynamic behavior has been key to the rational design of future smart materials. The rise of supramolecular and dynamic covalent chemistry offers many approaches to the construction of dynamic polymers and materials that can adapt, respond, repair, and recycle. Within this toolbox, the building blocks based on 1,2-dithiolanes have become an important scaffold, featuring their reversible polymerization mediated by dynamic covalent disulfide bonds, which enables a unique class of dynamic materials at the intersection of supramolecular polymers and adaptable covalent networks. This Perspective aims to explore the dynamic chemistry of 1,2-dithiolanes as a versatile structural unit for the design of smart materials by summarizing the state of the art as well as providing an overview of the fundamental challenges involved in this research area and its potential future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.,Stratingh Institute for Chemistry and Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Da-Hui Qu
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Ben L Feringa
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.,Stratingh Institute for Chemistry and Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - He Tian
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
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43
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Lugger SJD, Mulder DJ, Schenning APHJ. One‐Pot Synthesis of Melt‐Processable Supramolecular Soft Actuators. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202115166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sean J. D. Lugger
- Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials and Devices Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Dirk J. Mulder
- Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials and Devices Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Albertus P. H. J. Schenning
- Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials and Devices Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology Den Dolech 2 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
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44
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Zhou Y, Wang L, Ma S, Zhang H. Fully Room-Temperature Reprogrammable, Reprocessable, and Photomobile Soft Actuators from a High-Molecular-Weight Main-Chain Azobenzene Crystalline Poly(ester-amide). ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:3264-3273. [PMID: 34991314 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c18647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Azobenzene (azo) polymer photoactuators with full room-temperature reprogrammability, reprocessability, and photomobility are highly desirable for large-scale applications, but their development remains a daunting challenge. Herein, a strategy is first presented for fabricating such advanced photoactuators from a high-molecular-weight main-chain azo crystalline poly(ester-amide) (PEA) prepared via Michael addition polymerization. This azo PEA can be readily processed into both physically cross-linked, uniaxially oriented fibers and films with high mechanical robustness and reversible photoinduced bending/unbending at room temperature. Importantly, the presence of both amide unit-induced hydrogen bonding and crystalline domains in such films and fibers endows them with dynamic, yet stable cross-linking points, which enable their easy reprogrammability under strain at room temperature into various three-dimensional (3D) shapes (e.g., film helicoid and spiral ribbon, fiber spring) capable of showing completely different shape-dependent photomobile modes. In particular, these reshaped photoactuators can maintain their accurate 3D shapes and highly reversible photoinduced motions even after being kept at 80 °C for 20 days or at 100 °C for 2 days. They can also be reprocessed and recycled from solution at room temperature. Such a multifunctional main-chain azo crystalline PEA can serve as a versatile platform for fabricating various photoactuators with desired 3D shapes and motion modes under mild ambient conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), and College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), and College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Shengkui Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), and College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Huiqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), and College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
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45
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Ma J, Yang Y, Valenzuela C, Zhang X, Wang L, Feng W. Mechanochromic, Shape‐Programmable and Self‐Healable Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Elastomers Enabled by Dynamic Covalent Boronic Ester Bonds. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202116219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jiazhe Ma
- School of Materials Science and Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin 300350
| | - Yanzhao Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin 300350
| | - Cristian Valenzuela
- School of Materials Science and Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin 300350
| | - Xuan Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin 300350
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin 300350
| | - Wei Feng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin 300350
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials Tianjin 300350 P. R. China
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46
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Bongiardina NJ, Soars SM, Podgorski M, Bowman CN. Radical-disulfide exchange in thiol–ene–disulfidation polymerizations. Polym Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d2py00172a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The influence of radical-disulfide exchange on the polymerization and relaxation dynamics of thiol–ene–disulfide networks is investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J. Bongiardina
- Material Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
| | - Shafer M. Soars
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
| | - Maciej Podgorski
- Department of Polymer Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, M. Curie-Sklodowska Sq. 5, Lublin 20-031, Poland
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
| | - Christopher N. Bowman
- Material Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
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47
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Ban J, Wu D, Liao J, Xu T, Pan L. Evaluation performance of azobenzene liquid-crystal shape memory polyurethane with photo-thermo-synergy response. NEW J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d2nj02062a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This paper aimed to investigate the photo-response performance of a polymeric material using a series of azobenzene liquid-crystal shape memory polyurethane (DB-SMPn) with azobenzene-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid (ADA), N, N-bis (2-hydroxyethyl) isonicotinamine...
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48
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Liu Z, Bisoyi HK, Huang Y, Wang M, Yang H, Li Q. Thermo‐ and Mechanochromic Camouflage and Self‐Healing in Biomimetic Soft Actuators Based on Liquid Crystal Elastomers. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202115755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongcheng Liu
- Institute of Advanced Materials School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Jiangsu Province Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Biomedical Research Southeast University Nanjing 211189 China
| | - Hari Krishna Bisoyi
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program Kent State University Kent OH 44242 USA
| | - Yinliang Huang
- Institute of Advanced Materials School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Jiangsu Province Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Biomedical Research Southeast University Nanjing 211189 China
| | - Meng Wang
- Institute of Advanced Materials School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Jiangsu Province Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Biomedical Research Southeast University Nanjing 211189 China
| | - Hong Yang
- Institute of Advanced Materials School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Jiangsu Province Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Biomedical Research Southeast University Nanjing 211189 China
| | - Quan Li
- Institute of Advanced Materials School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Jiangsu Province Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Biomedical Research Southeast University Nanjing 211189 China
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program Kent State University Kent OH 44242 USA
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49
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Zhang C, Lu X, Wang Z, Xia H. Progress in Utilizing Dynamic Bonds to Fabricate Structurally Adaptive Self-Healing, Shape Memory, and Liquid Crystal Polymers. Macromol Rapid Commun 2021; 43:e2100768. [PMID: 34964192 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Stimuli-responsive structurally dynamic polymers are capable of mimicking the biological systems to adapt themselves to the surrounding environmental changes and subsequently exhibiting a wide range of responses ranging from self-healing to complex shape-morphing. Dynamic self-healing polymers (SHPs), shape-memory polymers (SMPs) and liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs), which are three representative examples of stimuli-responsive structurally dynamic polymers, have been attracting broad and growing interest in recent years because of their potential applications in the fields of electronic skin, sensors, soft robots, artificial muscles, and so on. We review recent advances and challenges in the developments towards dynamic SHPs, SMPs and LCEs, focusing on the chemistry strategies and the dynamic reaction mechanisms that enhance the performances of the materials including self-healing, reprocessing and reprogramming. We compare and discuss the different dynamic chemistries and their mechanisms on the enhanced functions of the materials, where three summary tables are presented: a library of dynamic bonds and the resulting characteristics of the materials. Finally, we provide a critical outline of the unresolved issues and future perspectives on the emerging developments. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Xili Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Zhanhua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Hesheng Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
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50
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Ma J, Yang Y, Valenzuela C, Zhang X, Wang L, Feng W. Mechanochromic, Shape-Programmable and Self-Healable Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Elastomers Enabled by Dynamic Covalent Boronic Ester Bonds. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 61:e202116219. [PMID: 34962037 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202116219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Endowing a cholesteric liquid crystal elastomer (CLCE) exhibiting helicoidal nanostructure with dynamically tailorable functionalities is of paramount significance for its emerging applications in diverse fields such as adaptive optics and soft robotics. Here, a mechanochromic, shape-programmable and self-healable CLCE is judiciously designed and synthesized through integrating dynamic covalent boronic ester bonds into the main-chain CLCE polymer network. The circularly polarized reflection of CLCEs can be reversibly and dynamically tuned across the entire visible spectrum by mechanical stretching. Thanks to the introduction of dynamic boronic ester bonds, the CLCEs were found to show robust reprogrammable and self-healing capabilities. The research disclosed herein can provide new insights into the development of 4D (color and 3D shape) programmable photonic actuators towards bioinspired camouflage, adaptive optical systems, and next-generation intelligent machines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiazhe Ma
- Tianjin University, Materials Science & Engineering, CHINA
| | - Yanzhao Yang
- Tianjin University, Materials Science & Engineering, CHINA
| | | | - Xuan Zhang
- Tianjin University, Materials Science & Engineering, CHINA
| | - Ling Wang
- Tianjin University, Materials Science & Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, 300072, Tianjin, CHINA
| | - Wei Feng
- Tianjin University, Materials Science & Engineering, CHINA
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