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Direct and remote induced actuation in artificial muscles based on electrospun fiber networks. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13084. [PMID: 35906458 PMCID: PMC9338295 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16872-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The present work reports a new configuration of soft artificial muscle based on a web of metal covered nylon 6/6 micrometric fibers attached to a thin polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film. The preparation process is simple and implies the attachment of metalized fiber networks to a PDMS sheet substrate while heating and applying compression. The resulting composite is versatile and can be cut in different shapes as a function of the application sought. When an electric current passes through the metallic web, heat is produced, leading to local dilatation and to subsequent controlled deformation. Because of this, the artificial muscle displays a fast and ample movement (maximum displacement of 0.8 cm) when applying a relatively low voltage (2.2 V), a consequence of the contrast between the thermal expanse coefficients of the PDMS substrate and of the web-like electrode. It was shown that the electrical current producing this effect can originate from both direct electric contacts, and untethered configurations i.e. radio frequency induced. Usually, for thermal activated actuators the heating is produced by using metallic films or conductive carbon-based materials, while here a fast heating/cooling process is obtained by using microfiber-based heaters. This new approach for untethered devices is an interesting path to follow, opening a wide range of applications were autonomous actuation and remote transfer of energy are needed.
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2
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Tang ZH, Zhu WB, Mao YQ, Zhu ZC, Li YQ, Huang P, Fu SY. Multiresponsive Ti 3C 2T x MXene-Based Actuators Enabled by Dual-Mechanism Synergism for Soft Robotics. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:21474-21485. [PMID: 35486453 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c03157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Multiresponsive and high-performance flexible actuators with a simple configuration, high mechanical strength, and low-power consumption are highly desirable for soft robotics. Here, a novel mechanically robust and multiresponsive Ti3C2Tx MXene-based actuator with high actuation performance via dual-mechanism synergistic effect driven by the hygroexpansion of bacterial cellulose (BC) layer and the thermal expansion of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) layer is developed. The actuator is flexible and shows an ultrahigh tensile strength of 195 MPa. Unlike the conventional bimorph-structured actuators based on a single-mechanism, the actuator developed provides a favorable architecture for dual-mechanism synergism, resulting in exceptionally reversible actuation performance under electricity and near-infrared (NIR) light stimuli. Typically, the developed actuator can produce the largest bending angle (∼400°) at the lowest voltage (≤4 V) compared with that reported previously for single mechanism soft actuators. Furthermore, the actuator also can be driven by a NIR light at a 2 m distance, displaying an excellent long-distance photoresponsive property. Finally, various intriguing applications are demonstrated to show the great potential of the actuator for soft robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Hua Tang
- College of Aerospace Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Wei-Bin Zhu
- College of Aerospace Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Yu-Qin Mao
- College of Aerospace Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Zi-Cai Zhu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robots, School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Yuan-Qing Li
- College of Aerospace Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Pei Huang
- College of Aerospace Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Shao-Yun Fu
- College of Aerospace Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
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3
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Pu J, Meng Y, Xie Z, Peng Z, Wu J, Shi Y, Plamthottam R, Yang W, Pei Q. A unimorph nanocomposite dielectric elastomer for large out-of-plane actuation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm6200. [PMID: 35245109 PMCID: PMC8896788 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm6200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) feature large, reversible in-plane deformation, and stacked DEA layers are used to produce large strokes in the thickness dimension. We introduce an electrophoretic process to concentrate boron nitride nanosheet dispersion in a dielectric elastomer precursor solution onto a designated electrode surface. The resulting unimorph nanocomposite dielectric elastomer (UNDE) has a seamless bilayer structure with 13 times of modulus difference. The UNDE can be actuated to large bending curvatures, with enhanced breakdown field strength and durability as compared to conventional nanocomposite dielectric elastomer. Multiple UNDE units can be formed in a simple electrophoretic concentration process using patterned electrode areas. A disc-shaped actuator comprising six UNDE units outputs large bidirectional stroke up to 10 Hz. This actuator is used to demonstrate a high-speed lens motor capable of varying the focal length of a two-lens system by 40 times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhong Pu
- Soft Materials Research Laboratory Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Yuan Meng
- Soft Materials Research Laboratory Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Zhixin Xie
- Soft Materials Research Laboratory Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Zihang Peng
- Soft Materials Research Laboratory Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jianghan Wu
- Soft Materials Research Laboratory Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ye Shi
- Soft Materials Research Laboratory Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Roshan Plamthottam
- Soft Materials Research Laboratory Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Wei Yang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Qibing Pei
- Soft Materials Research Laboratory Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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4
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Wang R, Han L, Wu C, Dong Y, Zhao X. Localizable, Identifiable, and Perceptive Untethered Light-Driven Soft Crawling Robot. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:6138-6147. [PMID: 35050581 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c20539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Soft robots based on bionics have attracted extensive attention in recent years. However, most of previous works focused on the motion of robots that were incapable of communication and perception. In this work, an untethered crawling robot is proposed with integration of motion, communication, and location based entirely on a flexible material, which is capable of being utilized as a sensing platform. The hydrophilic graphene oxide film, capable of photothermal conversion, allows the robot to undergo a large deformation stimulated by near-infrared light. Conductive fabric with low resistivity and high mechanical strength, replacing the traditional rigid circuit, is utilized to complete the communication of the robot. The designed communication module allows an electrical signal to be inductively coupled to the soft robot instead of being generated by batteries or through transmission lines. The perception of the robot is demonstrated by covering sensitive materials. Furthermore, the positioning and identification of the robot are verified by an external coil array. The proposed soft crawling robot provides an innovative strategy for the integration of multifunctional robots and shows great potential in bionic devices, intelligent robots, and advanced sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- Key Laboratory of MEMS of the Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Lei Han
- Key Laboratory of MEMS of the Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Chenggen Wu
- Key Laboratory of MEMS of the Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Yupeng Dong
- Key Laboratory of MEMS of the Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Xiaoguang Zhao
- Department of Precision Instruments, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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5
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Carvalho AF, Kulyk B, Fernandes AJS, Fortunato E, Costa FM. A Review on the Applications of Graphene in Mechanical Transduction. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2101326. [PMID: 34288155 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202101326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
A pressing need to develop low-cost, environmentally friendly, and sensitive sensors has arisen with the advent of the always-connected paradigm of the internet-of-things (IoT). In particular, mechanical sensors have been widely studied in recent years for applications ranging from health monitoring, through mechanical biosignals, to structure integrity analysis. On the other hand, innovative ways to implement mechanical actuation have also been the focus of intense research in an attempt to close the circle of human-machine interaction, and move toward applications in flexible electronics. Due to its potential scalability, disposability, and outstanding properties, graphene has been thoroughly studied in the field of mechanical transduction. The applications of graphene in mechanical transduction are reviewed here. An overview of sensor and actuator applications is provided, covering different transduction mechanisms such as piezoresistivity, capacitive sensing, optically interrogated displacement, piezoelectricity, triboelectricity, electrostatic actuation, chemomechanical and thermomechanical actuation, as well as thermoacoustic emission. A critical review of the main approaches is presented within the scope of a wider discussion on the future of this so-called wonder material in the field of mechanical transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre F Carvalho
- I3N-Aveiro, Department of Physics, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Bohdan Kulyk
- I3N-Aveiro, Department of Physics, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
| | | | - Elvira Fortunato
- I3N/CENIMAT, Materials Science Department, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa and CEMOP/UNINOVA, Caparica, 2829-516, Portugal
| | - Florinda M Costa
- I3N-Aveiro, Department of Physics, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
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6
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Chang L, Wang D, Jiang A, Hu Y. Soft Actuators Based On Carbon Nanomaterials. Chempluschem 2022; 87:e202100437. [PMID: 35103423 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202100437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Inspired by the sophisticated design of biological systems, interest in soft intelligent actuators has increased significantly in recent years, providing attractive strategies for the design of elaborate soft mechanical systems. For the construction of those soft actuators, carbon nanomaterials were extensively and successfully explored for the properties of highly conductive, electrothermal, and photothermal conversion. This review aims to trace the recent achievements for the material and structural design as well as the general mechanisms of the soft actuators, paying particular attention to the contribution of carbon nanomaterials resulted from their diversified interplaying properties, which realized the flexible and dexterous deformation responding to various environmental stimuli, including light, electricity and humidity. The properties and mechanisms of soft actuators are summarized and the potential for future applications and research are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Chang
- Anhui Province Key Lab of Aerospace Structural Parts Forming Technology and Equipment, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, P. R. China
- Anhui Province Key Lab of Advanced Functional Materials and Devices, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, P. R. China
| | - Dongping Wang
- Anhui Province Key Lab of Aerospace Structural Parts Forming Technology and Equipment, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, P. R. China
| | - Ajuan Jiang
- Anhui Province Key Lab of Aerospace Structural Parts Forming Technology and Equipment, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, P. R. China
| | - Ying Hu
- Anhui Province Key Lab of Aerospace Structural Parts Forming Technology and Equipment, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, P. R. China
- Anhui Province Key Lab of Advanced Functional Materials and Devices, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, P. R. China
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7
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Yang K, Tang Z, Ye Y, Ding M, Zhang P, Zhu Y, Guo Q, Chen G, Weng M. Dual‐responsive and bidirectional bending actuators based on a graphene oxide composite for bionic soft robotics. J Appl Polym Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/app.52014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kaihuai Yang
- School of Mechanical and Intelligent Manufacturing Fujian Chuanzheng Communications College Fuzhou Fujian China
| | - Zhendong Tang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Processing and Application, Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Products of Universities in Fujian Fujian University of Technology Fuzhou Fujian China
| | - Yuanji Ye
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Processing and Application, Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Products of Universities in Fujian Fujian University of Technology Fuzhou Fujian China
| | - Min Ding
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Processing and Application, Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Products of Universities in Fujian Fujian University of Technology Fuzhou Fujian China
| | - Peiqian Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Processing and Application, Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Products of Universities in Fujian Fujian University of Technology Fuzhou Fujian China
| | - Yongkang Zhu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Processing and Application, Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Products of Universities in Fujian Fujian University of Technology Fuzhou Fujian China
| | - Qiaohang Guo
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Processing and Application, Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Products of Universities in Fujian Fujian University of Technology Fuzhou Fujian China
| | - Guiqing Chen
- School of Mechanical and Intelligent Manufacturing Fujian Chuanzheng Communications College Fuzhou Fujian China
| | - Mingcen Weng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Processing and Application, Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Products of Universities in Fujian Fujian University of Technology Fuzhou Fujian China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Manipulation and New Energy Materials Fujian Normal University Fuzhou Fujian China
- National Forestry and Grassland Administration Key Laboratory of Plant Fiber Functional Materials Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University Fuzhou Fujian China
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8
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Abstract
Electro-responsive actuators (ERAs) hold great promise for cutting-edge applications in e-skins, soft robots, unmanned flight, and in vivo surgery devices due to the advantages of fast response, precise control, programmable deformation, and the ease of integration with control circuits. Recently, considering the excellent physical/chemical/mechanical properties (e.g., high carrier mobility, strong mechanical strength, outstanding thermal conductivity, high specific surface area, flexibility, and transparency), graphene and its derivatives have emerged as an appealing material in developing ERAs. In this review, we have summarized the recent advances in graphene-based ERAs. Typical the working mechanisms of graphene ERAs have been introduced. Design principles and working performance of three typical types of graphene ERAs (e.g., electrostatic actuators, electrothermal actuators, and ionic actuators) have been comprehensively summarized. Besides, emerging applications of graphene ERAs, including artificial muscles, bionic robots, human-soft actuators interaction, and other smart devices, have been reviewed. At last, the current challenges and future perspectives of graphene ERAs are discussed.
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9
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Li J, Xin M, Ma Z, Shi Y, Pan L. Nanomaterials and their applications on bio-inspired wearable electronics. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 32:472002. [PMID: 33592596 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/abe6c7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Wearable electronics featuring conformal attachment, sensitive perception and intellectual signal processing have made significant progress in recent years. However, when compared with living organisms, artificial sensory devices showed undeniable bulky shape, poor adaptability, and large energy consumption. To make up for the deficiencies, biological examples provide inspirations of novel designs and practical applications. In the field of biomimetics, nanomaterials from nanoparticles to layered two-dimensional materials are actively involved due to their outstanding physicochemical properties and nanoscale configurability. This review focuses on nanomaterials related to wearable electronics through bioinspired approaches on three different levels, interfacial packaging, sensory structure, and signal processing, which comprehensively guided recent progress of wearable devices in leveraging both nanomaterial superiorities and biorealistic functionalities. In addition, opinions on potential development trend are proposed aiming at implementing bioinspired electronics in multifunctional portable sensors, health monitoring, and intelligent prosthetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiean Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Xin
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhong Ma
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Shi
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijia Pan
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People's Republic of China
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10
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Zhu X, Hu Y, Wu G, Chen W, Bao N. Two-Dimensional Nanosheets-Based Soft Electro-Chemo-Mechanical Actuators: Recent Advances in Design, Construction, and Applications. ACS NANO 2021; 15:9273-9298. [PMID: 34018737 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c02356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Soft electro-chemo-mechanical actuators have received enormous interest in biomimetic technologies, wearable electronics, and microelectromechanical systems due to their low voltage-driven large deformation, fast response, high strain, and working durability. Two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets, which can highly promote ion-induced micromotion to macrodeformation, have outstandingly been used as prime actuator electrodes because of their ordered microstructures, tunable interlayer spaces, controllable electrochemical activities, and excellent electrical and mechanical properties. Here, this review primarily focuses on the recent advances in key 2D electro-chemo-mechanical actuator electrodes, including graphene, MXenes, graphitic carbon nitride, molybdenum disulfide, black phosphorus, and graphdiyne. Various synthetic strategies of electrode design, such as microstructural architecture, active-site regulation, and channel construction, for achieving high ionic kinetic transport, charge storage, and electrochemical-mechanical performances are discussed. The advanced structures with diverse building principles that provide ordered and active ionic pathways for high actuation speed and strain are emphasized. Furthermore, the innovative applications of electro-chemo-mechanical actuators toward biomimetic robots and smart devices are highlighted. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives are also proposed. The aim of this review is to provide the guiding significance for scientific researchers and industrial engineers to design higher performance next-generation electro-chemo-mechanical actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210009, P.R. China
| | - Ying Hu
- Institute of Industry and Equipment Technology, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, P.R. China
| | - Guan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210009, P.R. China
| | - Wei Chen
- Research Centre for Smart Wearable Technology, Institute of Textiles and Clothing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, P.R. China
| | - Ningzhong Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210009, P.R. China
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11
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Cao Y, Dong J. Programmable soft electrothermal actuators based on free-form printing of the embedded heater. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:2577-2586. [PMID: 33514995 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm02062a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the research in soft actuators that exhibit complex programmable deformations. Soft electrothermal actuators use electricity as the stimulus to generate heat, and the mismatch between the thermal expansions of the two structural layers causes the actuator to bend. Complex programmable deformations of soft electrothermal actuators are difficult due to the limitations of the conventional fabrication methods. In this article, we report a new approach to fabricate soft electrothermal actuators, in which the resistive heater of the electrothermal actuator is directly printed using electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing. The direct patterning capabilities of EHD printing allow the free-form design of the heater. By changing the design of the heating pattern on the actuator, different heat distributions can be achieved and utilized to realize complex programmable deformations, including uniform bending, customized bending, folding, and twisting. Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to validate the thermal distribution and deformation for different actuator designs. Lastly, several integrated demonstrations are presented, including complex structures obtained from folding, a two-degree-of-freedom soft robotic arm, and soft walkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Cao
- Edward P Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
| | - Jingyan Dong
- Edward P Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
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12
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Gao T, Xu G, Wen Y, Cheng H, Li C, Qu L. An intelligent film actuator with multi-level deformation behaviour. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2020; 5:1226-1232. [PMID: 32608437 DOI: 10.1039/d0nh00268b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Smart materials with simply reversible deformation or reconfigurability have shown great potential in artificial muscles, robots, controlled displays, etc. However, the combination of reversible and reconfigured functions in responsive materials, which can endow them with mature and complex actuation performance similar to that of living things, is still a great challenge. In this regard, we report an intelligent graphene oxide (GO)/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film with reconfigured structures resulting from inner plastic deformation after treatment at elevated temperature (40-80 °C), which simultaneously expresses basically and secondarily reversible deformation ability of its original and reconfigured states in response to external stimuli (e.g. IR light and moisture), respectively. As a result, this film achieves unique multi-level actuation behaviour by combining reversible and reconfigured functions. Based on this, an "Artificial Pupil" with two switchable light penetration modes under the different reconfigured states was designed and developed. Furthermore, many special and reconfigured 3D structures (e.g. cubic boxes, pyramids) have been well explored, which is promising for applications in future materials engineering and biomimetic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Gao
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials Processing Technology, Ministry of Education of China, State Key Laboratory of Tribology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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13
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Ghosh R, Telpande S, Gowda P, Reddy SK, Kumar P, Misra A. Deterministic Role of Carbon Nanotube-Substrate Coupling for Ultrahigh Actuation in Bilayer Electrothermal Actuators. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:29959-29970. [PMID: 32500702 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c05823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Here, the actuation response of an architectured electrothermal actuator comprising a single layer of carbon nanotube (CNT) film and a relatively thicker film of silk, cellulose, or polydimethylsiloxane is studied. An electric current is passed through the CNT film, which generates heat responsible for electrothermal actuation, in all samples, affixed as per doubly clamped beam configuration. All samples, including pure CNT film, show remarkable actuation such that actuation monotonically increases with the applied voltage. Cyclic pulsed electrical loading shows a lag in the electric current stimulus and the actuation. Remarkably, an ultrahigh actuation of ∼2.8%, which was 72 times more than that shown by pure CNT film, is measured in the CNT-cellulose film, that is, the architectured actuator with the natural polymer having the functional property of hygroexpansion and the structural hierarchy of the CNT film, however, at a significantly larger length scale. Overall, the synergetic contribution of the individual layers in these bilayered actuators enabled achieving ultrahigh electrothermal actuation compared to the homogeneous, synthetic polymer-based devices. A detailed discussion, which also includes examination of the role of the hierarchical substructure and the functional properties of the substrate and numerical analysis using the finite element method, is presented to highlight the actuation mechanism in the fabricated actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rituparna Ghosh
- Department of Instrumentation and Applied Physics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Swanand Telpande
- Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Prarthana Gowda
- Department of Instrumentation and Applied Physics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Siva K Reddy
- Department of Instrumentation and Applied Physics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Praveen Kumar
- Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Abha Misra
- Department of Instrumentation and Applied Physics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
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14
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Xiang C, Wang W, Zhu Q, Xue D, Zhao X, Li M, Wang D. Flexible and Super-Sensitive Moisture-Responsive Actuators by Dispersing Graphene Oxide into Three-Dimensional Structures of Nanofibers and Silver Nanowires. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:3245-3253. [PMID: 31867950 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b20365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Smart actuators with excellent flexibility, sensitive responsiveness, large-scale bending-deformation, and rapid deformation-recovery performance have been sought after by researchers. Two-dimensional graphene oxide (GO) is considered as an ideal candidate for humidity-responsive actuators because of its excellent moisture sensitivity. Herein, a flexible membrane-based actuator was prepared by evenly dispersing GO sheets into a three-dimensional network formed by one-dimensional PVA-co-PE nanofibers (NFs) and silver nanowires (AgNWs). The three-dimensional interlaced pore structure of the AgNWs/NFs/GO composite membrane ensured its larger contact area (19.33 m2/g), faster moisture exchange rate, and large bending deformation under moisture stimulation. In addition, a new explanation for the spatial distribution of adsorbed water molecules and their actuating effect on the bending behaviors of composite membranes is proposed. The adsorbed water lies between the interlayer and surface layer of the composite membrane. The interlayer water molecules make the film volume expand, resulting in a large bending angle of the membrane. On the other hand, the water on the surface layers of the membrane only leads to the change in film weight, having little effect on the bending behavior. Moreover, to make the soft actuator more practical and multifunctional, a conductive AgNWs-NFs/GO bilayer membrane-based actuator was prepared by layered spraying of a AgNW on the NFs/GO membrane, which can be directly used in switching control circuits. The novel flexible membrane-based actuators are of great significance for the soft robot and intelligent control systems in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxue Xiang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Advanced Textile Materials & Application, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Intelligent Textile Materials & Application , Wuhan Textile University , Wuhan 430200 , China
| | - Wen Wang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology , Donghua University , Shanghai 201620 , China
| | - Qing Zhu
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology , Donghua University , Shanghai 201620 , China
| | - Dan Xue
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology , Donghua University , Shanghai 201620 , China
| | - Xu Zhao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Advanced Textile Materials & Application, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Intelligent Textile Materials & Application , Wuhan Textile University , Wuhan 430200 , China
| | - Mufang Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Advanced Textile Materials & Application, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Intelligent Textile Materials & Application , Wuhan Textile University , Wuhan 430200 , China
| | - Dong Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Advanced Textile Materials & Application, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Intelligent Textile Materials & Application , Wuhan Textile University , Wuhan 430200 , China
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology , Donghua University , Shanghai 201620 , China
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15
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Jiang S, Guo W, Liu S, Huang X, Li Y, Li Z, Wu H, Yin Z. Grab and Heat: Highly Responsive and Shape Adaptive Soft Robotic Heaters for Effective Heating of Objects of Three-Dimensional Curvilinear Surfaces. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:47476-47484. [PMID: 31765119 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b19889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Soft actuators have received great research attention because of the recent rise of soft robotics. However, these actuators could perform only relatively simple deformations (such as bending, twisting, etc.) for manipulation, limiting their functionality. Here, we develop highly responsive and shape adaptive soft robotic heaters which not only can achieve large degree of deformation but also can grab and heat objects of three-dimensional (3D) curvilinear surfaces. With intentionally synthesized and selected materials for device fabrication, a U-shaped soft robotic heater exhibits a deformation angle of more than 860° and a curvature of 4.0 cm-1 at a very low voltage of 2 V, and its curvature can quickly reach 1.31 cm-1 within 6 s. Moreover, the device can also function as a stable heat source with temperature of 203 °C upon actuation, demonstrating a maximum energy efficiency of 7.44% as a heater. Importantly, the soft robotic heaters can deform to enclose 3D curvilinear surfaces with pressure to enable intimate contact for more effective heat transfer. The unique utility of the soft robotic heaters is illustrated through the heating of objects of various 3D shapes, showcasing their potential applications in soft robotics, advanced thermal therapy, food handling and processing, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Jiang
- Flexible Electronics Research Center, School of Mechanical Science and Engineering , Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan , Hubei 430074 , P.R. China
| | - Wei Guo
- Flexible Electronics Research Center, School of Mechanical Science and Engineering , Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan , Hubei 430074 , P.R. China
| | - Shaoyu Liu
- Flexible Electronics Research Center, School of Mechanical Science and Engineering , Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan , Hubei 430074 , P.R. China
| | - Xin Huang
- Flexible Electronics Research Center, School of Mechanical Science and Engineering , Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan , Hubei 430074 , P.R. China
| | - Yangyang Li
- Flexible Electronics Research Center, School of Mechanical Science and Engineering , Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan , Hubei 430074 , P.R. China
| | - Zhuo Li
- Department of Materials Science , Fudan University , Shanghai 200433 , China
| | - Hao Wu
- Flexible Electronics Research Center, School of Mechanical Science and Engineering , Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan , Hubei 430074 , P.R. China
- Guangdong Sygole Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd , 523808 Dongguan , Guangdong , China
| | - Zhouping Yin
- Flexible Electronics Research Center, School of Mechanical Science and Engineering , Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan , Hubei 430074 , P.R. China
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16
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Wang J, Xiao Y, Cecen V, Shao C, Zhao Y, Qu L. Tunable-Deformed Graphene Layers for Actuation. Front Chem 2019; 7:725. [PMID: 31781535 PMCID: PMC6857681 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Benefiting from unique planar structure, high flexibility, splendid thermal, and electric properties; graphene as a crucial component has been widely applied into smart materials and multi-stimulus responsive actuators. Moreover, graphene with easy processing and modification features can be decorated with various functional groups through covalent or non-covalent bonds, which is promising in the conversion of environmental energy from single and/or multi-stimuli, to mechanical energy. In this review, we present the actuating behaviors of graphene, regulated by chemical bonds or intermolecular forces under multi-stimuli and summarize the recent advances on account of the unique nanostructures in various actuation circumstances such as thermal, humidity, electrochemical, electro-/photo-thermal, and other stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, Key Laboratory of Cluster Science, Ministry of Education of China, School of Chemistry, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yukun Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, Key Laboratory of Cluster Science, Ministry of Education of China, School of Chemistry, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Volkan Cecen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Changxiang Shao
- Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, Key Laboratory of Cluster Science, Ministry of Education of China, School of Chemistry, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, Key Laboratory of Cluster Science, Ministry of Education of China, School of Chemistry, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Liangti Qu
- Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, Key Laboratory of Cluster Science, Ministry of Education of China, School of Chemistry, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials Processing Technology, Ministry of Education of China, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Tribology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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17
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Sachyani Keneth E, Scalet G, Layani M, Tibi G, Degani A, Auricchio F, Magdassi S. Pre-Programmed Tri-Layer Electro-Thermal Actuators Composed of Shape Memory Polymer and Carbon Nanotubes. Soft Robot 2019; 7:123-129. [PMID: 31580782 DOI: 10.1089/soro.2018.0159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to their high deformability, lightness, and safe interaction with the surrounding environment, flexible actuators are key ingredients in soft robotics technologies. Among these, electro-thermal actuators (ETAs), based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs), are used to generate agile movements when current is applied. The extent of movement is determined mostly by the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the materials arranged in a bi-/tri-layer structure. However, current CNT-based ETAs usually accomplish only simple actions with limited movements. In this work, we successfully developed novel ETAs that are capable of carrying out various controllable movements, such as extremely high bending curvature or unique actuations mimicking a wheel and a worm. These superior functionalities are achieved by adding a third layer or hinges composed of a thermo-responsive shape memory polymer (SMP) onto a bi-layer CNT-kapton ETA. To predict the unique movements of the "triangle" and "worm" actuators, finite element simulations were performed. The combination of SMP and electro-thermal behavior demonstrates its potential for applications in the field of soft actuators and robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ela Sachyani Keneth
- Casali Center of Applied Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry and the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Giulia Scalet
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Michael Layani
- Casali Center of Applied Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry and the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gal Tibi
- Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion I.I.T., Haifa, Israel
| | - Amir Degani
- Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion I.I.T., Haifa, Israel.,Technion Autonomous Systems Program (TASP), Technion I.I.T., Haifa, Israel
| | - Ferdinando Auricchio
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Shlomo Magdassi
- Casali Center of Applied Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry and the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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18
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Lee H, Kim H, Ha I, Jung J, Won P, Cho H, Yeo J, Hong S, Han S, Kwon J, Cho KJ, Ko SH. Directional Shape Morphing Transparent Walking Soft Robot. Soft Robot 2019; 6:760-767. [PMID: 31343386 DOI: 10.1089/soro.2018.0164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Transparency in electronics can provide extra functionality and esthetic impression. Transparency plays an important role in accurate soft robot control because one can directly observe target surface condition that is usually blocked by a robot's body. Nowadays, demand for soft actuators has been rapidly increasing because soft robots have attracted much attention recently. However, conventional soft actuators are usually nontransparent with simple isotropic bending, limited performance, and limited functionality. To overcome such limitations of current soft robots, we developed a novel soft shape morphing thin film actuator with new functionalities such as high transparency and unique directional responses to allow complex behavior by integrating a transparent metal nanowire heater. A figure of merit was developed to evaluate the performance and derive an optimum design configuration for the transparent actuator with enhanced performance. As a proof of concept, various transparent soft robots such as transparent gripper, Venus flytrap, and transparent walking robot were demonstrated. Such transparent directional shape morphing actuator is expected to open new application fields and functionalities overcoming limitations of current soft robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Habeom Lee
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonseok Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Inho Ha
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinwook Jung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Phillip Won
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunmin Cho
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Junyeob Yeo
- Department of Physics, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Sukjoon Hong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Hanyang University, Gyeonggi-do, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungyong Han
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ajou University, Gyeonggi-do, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinhyeong Kwon
- Manufacturing System R&D Group, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Chungcheongnam-do, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Jin Cho
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hwan Ko
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Advanced Machinery and Design (SNU-IAMD), Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Engineering Research, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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19
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Harito C, Bavykin DV, Yuliarto B, Dipojono HK, Walsh FC. Polymer nanocomposites having a high filler content: synthesis, structures, properties, and applications. NANOSCALE 2019; 11:4653-4682. [PMID: 30840003 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr00117d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The recent development of nanoscale fillers, such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, and nanocellulose, allows the functionality of polymer nanocomposites to be controlled and enhanced. However, conventional synthesis methods of polymer nanocomposites cannot maximise the reinforcement of these nanofillers at high filler content. Approaches for the synthesis of high content filler polymer nanocomposites are suggested to facilitate future applications. The fabrication methods address the design of the polymer nanocomposite architecture, which encompasses one, two, and three dimensional morphologies. Factors that hamper the reinforcement of nanostructures, such as alignment, dispersion of the filler and interfacial bonding between the filler and polymer, are outlined. Using suitable approaches, maximum potential reinforcement of nanoscale fillers can be anticipated without limitations in orientation, dispersion, and the integrity of the filler particle-matrix interface. High filler content polymer composites containing emerging materials such as 2D transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides (MXenes) are expected in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Harito
- Energy Technology Research Group, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ, Southampton, UK.
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20
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Yao Y, Ping J. Recent advances in graphene-based freestanding paper-like materials for sensing applications. Trends Analyt Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2018.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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21
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Ma H, Zhang X, Cui R, Liu F, Wang M, Huang C, Hou J, Wang G, Wei Y, Jiang K, Pan L, Liu K. Photo-driven nanoactuators based on carbon nanocoils and vanadium dioxide bimorphs. NANOSCALE 2018; 10:11158-11164. [PMID: 29873375 DOI: 10.1039/c8nr03622e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Photo-driven actuators are highly desirable in various smart systems owing to the advantages of wireless control and possible actuation by solar energy. Miniaturization of photo-driven actuators is particularly essential in micro-robotics and micro-/nano-electro-mechanical systems. However, it remains a great challenge to build up nano-scale photo-driven actuators with competitive performance in amplitude, response speed, and lifetime. In this work, we developed photo-driven nanoactuators based on bimorph structures of vanadium dioxides (VO2) and carbon nanocoils (CNCs). Activated by the huge structural phase transition of VO2, the photo-driven VO2/CNC nanoactuators deliver a giant amplitude, a fast response up to 9400 Hz, and a long lifetime more than 10 000 000 actuation cycles. Both experimental and simulation results show that the helical structure of CNCs enables a low photo-driven threshold of VO2/CNC nanoactuators, which provides an effective method to construct photo-driven nanoactuators with low power consumption. Our photo-driven VO2/CNC nanoactuators would find potential applications in nano-scale electrical/optical switches and other smart devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Ma
- College of Applied Sciences, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, P. R. China.
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22
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Li Q, Liu C, Fan S. Programmable and functional electrothermal bimorph actuators based on large-area anisotropic carbon nanotube paper. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2018; 29:175503. [PMID: 29438104 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/aaaf18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Electro-active polymer (EAP) actuators, such as electronic, ionic and electrothermal (ET) actuators, have become an important branch of next-generation soft actuators in bionic robotics. However, most reported EAP actuators could realize only simple movements, being restricted by the small area of flexible electrodes and simple designs. We prepared large-area flexible electrodes of high anisotropy, made of oriented carbon nanotube (CNT) paper, and carried out artful graphic designs and processing on the electrodes to make functional ET bimorph actuators which can realize large bending deformations (over 220°, curvature > 1.5 cm-1) and bionic movements driven by electricity. The anisotropy of CNT paper benefits electrode designs and multiform actuations for complex actuators. Based on the large-area CNT paper, more interesting and functional actuators can be designed and prepared which will have practical applications in the fields of artificial muscles, complicated actuations, and soft and bionic robotics.
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23
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Mirvakili SM, Hunter IW. Artificial Muscles: Mechanisms, Applications, and Challenges. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2018; 30:1704407. [PMID: 29250838 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201704407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 322] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2017] [Revised: 09/10/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The area of artificial muscle is a highly interdisciplinary field of research that has evolved rapidly in the last 30 years. Recent advances in nanomaterial fabrication and characterization, specifically carbon nanotubes and nanowires, have had major contributions in the development of artificial muscles. However, what can artificial muscles really do for humans? This question is considered here by first examining nature's solutions to this design problem and then discussing the structure, actuation mechanism, applications, and limitations of recently developed artificial muscles, including highly oriented semicrystalline polymer fibers; nanocomposite actuators; twisted nanofiber yarns; thermally activated shape-memory alloys; ionic-polymer/metal composites; dielectric-elastomer actuators; conducting polymers; stimuli-responsive gels; piezoelectric, electrostrictive, magnetostrictive, and photostrictive actuators; photoexcited actuators; electrostatic actuators; and pneumatic actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed M Mirvakili
- BioInstrumentation Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Ian W Hunter
- BioInstrumentation Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
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24
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Yang L, Qi K, Chang L, Xu A, Hu Y, Zhai H, Lu P. A powerful dual-responsive soft actuator and photo-to-electric generator based on graphene micro-gasbags for bioinspired applications. J Mater Chem B 2018; 6:5031-5038. [DOI: 10.1039/c8tb01222a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
High-performance dual-responsive soft actuators with internal graphene micro-gasbags are fabricated and used to realize diverse biomimetic motions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Yang
- Institute of Industry & Equipment Technology
- Hefei University of Technology
- Hefei
- P. R. China
| | - Ke Qi
- Institute of Industry & Equipment Technology
- Hefei University of Technology
- Hefei
- P. R. China
| | - Longfei Chang
- Institute of Industry & Equipment Technology
- Hefei University of Technology
- Hefei
- P. R. China
| | - Aifeng Xu
- Institute of Industry & Equipment Technology
- Hefei University of Technology
- Hefei
- P. R. China
| | - Ying Hu
- Institute of Industry & Equipment Technology
- Hefei University of Technology
- Hefei
- P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Materials and Devices of Anhui Province
| | - Hua Zhai
- Institute of Industry & Equipment Technology
- Hefei University of Technology
- Hefei
- P. R. China
| | - Pin Lu
- Institute of Industry & Equipment Technology
- Hefei University of Technology
- Hefei
- P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures
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25
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Xu G, Zhang M, Zhou Q, Chen H, Gao T, Li C, Shi G. A small graphene oxide sheet/polyvinylidene fluoride bilayer actuator with large and rapid responses to multiple stimuli. NANOSCALE 2017; 9:17465-17470. [PMID: 29106420 DOI: 10.1039/c7nr07116g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A high-performance actuator should be able to deliver large-shape deformations, fast actuations and sensitive responses to multiple stimuli. Here, we report such an actuator constructed from one layer of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with a high coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), and another layer of small sheets of graphene oxide (SGO) with a negative CTE. The opposite deformations of both actuation layers make the SGO/PVDF bilayer actuator highly sensitive to the temperature stimulus with a large bending sensitivity of 1.5 cm-1 °C-1. Upon irradiation with 60 mW cm-2 infrared light, this SGO/PVDF bilayer actuator displayed an extremely rapid tip displacement rate of 140 mm s-1. Furthermore, this actuator can also sensitively respond to moisture because of its SGO layer, showing a curvature change from -22 to 13 cm-1 upon changing the relative humidity (RH) from 11% to 86%. This actuator can generate a contractile or relaxed stress 18 times that of mammalian skeletal muscle, under light irradiation or moisture with a response time as short as 1 s, being capable of lifting an object with a weight 80 times that of itself. Furthermore, it also showed excellent stability and repeatability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guochuang Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China.
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26
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Chen L, Weng M, Zhou P, Zhang L, Huang Z, Zhang W. Multi-responsive actuators based on a graphene oxide composite: intelligent robot and bioinspired applications. NANOSCALE 2017; 9:9825-9833. [PMID: 28585961 DOI: 10.1039/c7nr01913k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Carbon-based electrothermal or photothermal actuators have attracted intense attention recently. They can directly convert electrical or light energy into thermal energy and exhibit obvious deformations. However, if the actuation mechanism is only limited to thermal expansion, the deformation amplitude is difficult to increase further. Moreover, complex shape-deformation is still challenging. Although a few materials were reported to realize twisting or untwisting actuation by cutting the samples into strips along different orientations, each single strip could perform only one shape-deformation mode. In this work, we propose multi-responsive actuators based on a graphene oxide (GO) and biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) composite, which are designed with different shapes (strip-shape and helical-shape). The strip-shape GO/BOPP actuator shows great bending actuations when driven by humidity (curvature of up to 3.1 cm-1). Due to a developed dual-mode actuation mechanism, the actuator shows a bending curvature of 2.8 cm-1 when driven by near infrared (NIR) light. The great actuation outperforms most other carbon-based actuators. Then, an intelligent robot based on the GO/BOPP composite is fabricated, which can switch between the protection mode and weightlifting mode with different external stimuli. Inspired from plant tendrils, a bioinspired helical GO/BOPP actuator is further realized to show both twisting and untwisting actuations in a single actuator, fully mimicking the deformation of plant tendrils. Finally, a robot arm consisting of strip-shape and helical GO/BOPP actuators can grasp an object that is 2.9 times heavier than itself, demonstrating promising bioinspired applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luzhuo Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Manipulation and New Energy Materials, College of Physics and Energy, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China.
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27
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Yao S, Cui J, Cui Z, Zhu Y. Soft electrothermal actuators using silver nanowire heaters. NANOSCALE 2017; 9:3797-3805. [PMID: 28134386 DOI: 10.1039/c6nr09270e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Low-voltage and extremely flexible electrothermal bimorph actuators were fabricated in a simple, efficient and scalable process. The bimorph actuators were made of flexible silver nanowire (AgNW) based heaters, which exhibited a fast heating rate of 18 °C s-1 and stable heating performance with large bending. The actuators offered the largest bending angle (720°) or curvature (2.6 cm-1) at a very low actuation voltage (0.2 V sq-1 or 4.5 V) among all types of bimorph actuators that have been reported to date. The actuators can be designed and fabricated in different configurations that can achieve complex patterns and shapes upon actuation. Two applications of this type of soft actuators were demonstrated towards biomimetic robotics - a crawling robot that can walk spontaneously on ratchet surfaces and a soft gripper that is capable of manipulating lightweight and delicate objects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Yao
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
| | - Jianxun Cui
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
| | - Zheng Cui
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
| | - Yong Zhu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
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28
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Zong L, Li M, Li C. Bioinspired Coupling of Inorganic Layered Nanomaterials with Marine Polysaccharides for Efficient Aqueous Exfoliation and Smart Actuating Hybrids. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2017; 29:1604691. [PMID: 28054382 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201604691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
WS2 and marine alginate are perfectly coupled to ensure scalable production of exfoliated WS2 with unprecedented efficiency, further providing super mechanical properties and the photothermal effect to their composites. Combined with the water-intake and cation-binding capabilities of alginate, biomimetic soft devices are designed with stimuli-responsiveness and actuating properties, capable of serving as a photo-driven motor, a walking robot, and a gripper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zong
- Group of Biomimetic Smart Materials, CAS Key Lab of Bio-based Materials, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Songling Road 189, Qingdao, 266101, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Mingjie Li
- Group of Biomimetic Smart Materials, CAS Key Lab of Bio-based Materials, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Songling Road 189, Qingdao, 266101, P. R. China
| | - Chaoxu Li
- Group of Biomimetic Smart Materials, CAS Key Lab of Bio-based Materials, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Songling Road 189, Qingdao, 266101, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
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29
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Mirvakili SM, Hunter IW. Multidirectional Artificial Muscles from Nylon. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2017; 29:1604734. [PMID: 27878864 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201604734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Multidirectional artificial muscles are made from highly oriented nylon filaments. Thanks to the low thermal conductivity of nylon and its anisotropic thermal expansion, bending occurs when a nylon beam is differentially heated. This heat can be generated via a Joule heating mechanism or high power laser pulses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed M Mirvakili
- BioInstrumentation Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Ian W Hunter
- BioInstrumentation Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
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30
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Abstract
There is an increasing demand for soft actuators because of their importance in soft robotics, artificial muscles, biomimetic devices, and beyond. However, the development of soft actuators capable of low-voltage operation, powerful actuation, and programmable shape-changing is still challenging. In this work, we propose programmable bilayer actuators that operate based on the large hygroscopic contraction of the copy paper and simultaneously large thermal expansion of the polypropylene film upon increasing the temperature. The electrothermally activated bending actuators can function with low voltages (≤ 8 V), low input electric power per area (P ≤ 0.14 W cm-2), and low temperature changes (≤ 35 °C). They exhibit reversible shape-changing behavior with curvature radii up to 1.07 cm-1 and bending angle of 360°, accompanied by powerful actuation. Besides the electrical activation, they can be powered by humidity or light irradiation. We finally demonstrate the use of our paper actuators as a soft gripper robot and a lightweight paper wing for aerial robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Amjadi
- Physical Intelligence Department and ‡Max Planck-ETH Center for Learning Systems, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems , Heisenbergstraße 3, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Metin Sitti
- Physical Intelligence Department and ‡Max Planck-ETH Center for Learning Systems, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems , Heisenbergstraße 3, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
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Xiao P, Yi N, Zhang T, Huang Y, Chang H, Yang Y, Zhou Y, Chen Y. Construction of a Fish-like Robot Based on High Performance Graphene/PVDF Bimorph Actuation Materials. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2016; 3:1500438. [PMID: 27818900 PMCID: PMC5071709 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201500438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Smart actuators have many potential applications in various areas, so the development of novel actuation materials, with facile fabricating methods and excellent performances, are still urgent needs. In this work, a novel electromechanical bimorph actuator constituted by a graphene layer and a PVDF layer, is fabricated through a simple yet versatile solution approach. The bimorph actuator can deflect toward the graphene side under electrical stimulus, due to the differences in coefficient of thermal expansion between the two layers and the converse piezoelectric effect and electrostrictive property of the PVDF layer. Under low voltage stimulus, the actuator (length: 20 mm, width: 3 mm) can generate large actuation motion with a maximum deflection of about 14.0 mm within 0.262 s and produce high actuation stress (more than 312.7 MPa/g). The bimorph actuator also can display reversible swing behavior with long cycle life under high frequencies. on this basis, a fish-like robot that can swim at the speed of 5.02 mm/s is designed and demonstrated. The designed graphene-PVDF bimorph actuator exhibits the overall novel performance compared with many other electromechanical avtuators, and may contribute to the practical actuation applications of graphene-based materials at a macro scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peishuang Xiao
- Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin) School of Materials Science and Engineering Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P.R. China
| | - Ningbo Yi
- Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin) School of Materials Science and Engineering Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P.R. China
| | - Tengfei Zhang
- Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin) School of Materials Science and Engineering Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P.R. China
| | - Yi Huang
- Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin) School of Materials Science and Engineering Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P.R. China
| | - Huicong Chang
- Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin) School of Materials Science and Engineering Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P.R. China
| | - Yang Yang
- Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin) School of Materials Science and Engineering Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P.R. China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin) School of Materials Science and Engineering Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P.R. China
| | - Yongsheng Chen
- Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin) School of Materials Science and Engineering Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P.R. China
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Chen L, Weng M, Zhang W, Zhou Z, Zhou Y, Xia D, Li J, Huang Z, Liu C, Fan S. Transparent actuators and robots based on single-layer superaligned carbon nanotube sheet and polymer composites. NANOSCALE 2016; 8:6877-6883. [PMID: 26959343 DOI: 10.1039/c5nr07237a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Transparent actuators have been attracting emerging interest recently, as they demonstrate potential applications in the fields of invisible robots, tactical displays, variable-focus lenses, and flexible cellular phones. However, previous technologies did not simultaneously realize macroscopic transparent actuators with advantages of large-shape deformation, low-voltage-driven actuation and fast fabrication. Here, we develop a fast approach to fabricate a high-performance transparent actuator based on single-layer superaligned carbon nanotube sheet and polymer composites. Various advantages of single-layer nanotube sheets including high transparency, considerable conductivity, and ultra-thin dimensions together with selected polymer materials completely realize all the above required advantages. Also, this is the first time that a single-layer nanotube sheet has been used to fabricate actuators with high transparency, avoiding the structural damage to the single-layer nanotube sheet. The transparent actuator shows a transmittance of 72% at the wavelength of 550 nm and bends remarkably with a curvature of 0.41 cm(-1) under a DC voltage for 5 s, demonstrating a significant advance in technological performances compared to previous conventional actuators. To illustrate their great potential usage, a transparent wiper and a humanoid robot "hand" were elaborately designed and fabricated, which initiate a new direction in the development of high-performance invisible robotics and other intelligent applications with transparency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luzhuo Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Manipulation and New Energy Materials, College of Physics and Energy, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, China. and Fujian Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Optoelectronic Semiconductors and Efficient Devices, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Mingcen Weng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Manipulation and New Energy Materials, College of Physics and Energy, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, China. and Fujian Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Optoelectronic Semiconductors and Efficient Devices, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Manipulation and New Energy Materials, College of Physics and Energy, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, China. and Fujian Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Optoelectronic Semiconductors and Efficient Devices, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Zhiwei Zhou
- Tsinghua-Foxconn Nanotechnology Research Center and Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Yi Zhou
- Tsinghua-Foxconn Nanotechnology Research Center and Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Dan Xia
- Tsinghua-Foxconn Nanotechnology Research Center and Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Jiaxin Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Manipulation and New Energy Materials, College of Physics and Energy, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, China. and Fujian Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Optoelectronic Semiconductors and Efficient Devices, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Zhigao Huang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Manipulation and New Energy Materials, College of Physics and Energy, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, China. and Fujian Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Optoelectronic Semiconductors and Efficient Devices, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Changhong Liu
- Tsinghua-Foxconn Nanotechnology Research Center and Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Shoushan Fan
- Tsinghua-Foxconn Nanotechnology Research Center and Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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Zhou Z, Li Q, Chen L, Liu C, Fan S. A large-deformation phase transition electrothermal actuator based on carbon nanotube–elastomer composites. J Mater Chem B 2016; 4:1228-1234. [DOI: 10.1039/c5tb02715b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Large actuation occurs while the closed water is boiled to steam at an induced heating power. A closed liquid circulation system based on two of these actuators can work like a real heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Zhou
- Tsinghua-Foxconn Nanotechnology Research Center and Department of Physics
- Tsinghua University
- Beijing 100084
- People's Republic of China
- School of Materials Science & Engineering
| | - Qingwei Li
- Tsinghua-Foxconn Nanotechnology Research Center and Department of Physics
- Tsinghua University
- Beijing 100084
- People's Republic of China
| | - Luzhuo Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Manipulation and New Energy Materials
- College of Physics and Energy
- Fujian Normal University
- Fuzhou 350007
- People's Republic of China
| | - Changhong Liu
- Tsinghua-Foxconn Nanotechnology Research Center and Department of Physics
- Tsinghua University
- Beijing 100084
- People's Republic of China
| | - Shoushan Fan
- Tsinghua-Foxconn Nanotechnology Research Center and Department of Physics
- Tsinghua University
- Beijing 100084
- People's Republic of China
- School of Materials Science & Engineering
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Chen L, Weng M, Zhou Z, Zhou Y, Zhang L, Li J, Huang Z, Zhang W, Liu C, Fan S. Large-Deformation Curling Actuators Based on Carbon Nanotube Composite: Advanced-Structure Design and Biomimetic Application. ACS NANO 2015; 9:12189-12196. [PMID: 26512734 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.5b05413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, electroactive polymers have been developed as actuator materials. As an important branch of electroactive polymers, electrothermal actuators (ETAs) demonstrate potential applications in the fields of artificial muscles, biomimetic devices, robotics, and so on. Large-shape deformation, low-voltage-driven actuation, and ultrafast fabrication are critical to the development of ETA. However, a simultaneous optimization of all of these advantages has not been realized yet. Practical biomimetic applications are also rare. In this work, we introduce an ultrafast approach to fabricate a curling actuator based on a newly designed carbon nanotube and polymer composite, which completely realizes all of the above required advantages. The actuator shows an ultralarge curling actuation with a curvature greater than 1.0 cm(-1) and bending angle larger than 360°, even curling into a tubular structure. The driving voltage is down to a low voltage of 5 V. The remarkable actuation is attributed not only to the mismatch in the coefficients of thermal expansion but also to the mechanical property changes of materials during temperature change. We also construct an S-shape actuator to show the possibility of building advanced-structure actuators. A weightlifting walking robot is further designed that exhibits a fast-moving motion while lifting a sample heavier than itself, demonstrating promising biomimetic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luzhuo Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Manipulation and New Energy Materials, College of Physics and Energy, Fujian Normal University , Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Mingcen Weng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Manipulation and New Energy Materials, College of Physics and Energy, Fujian Normal University , Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Zhiwei Zhou
- Tsinghua-Foxconn Nanotechnology Research Center and Department of Physics, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Tsinghua-Foxconn Nanotechnology Research Center and Department of Physics, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Manipulation and New Energy Materials, College of Physics and Energy, Fujian Normal University , Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Jiaxin Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Manipulation and New Energy Materials, College of Physics and Energy, Fujian Normal University , Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Zhigao Huang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Manipulation and New Energy Materials, College of Physics and Energy, Fujian Normal University , Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Manipulation and New Energy Materials, College of Physics and Energy, Fujian Normal University , Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Changhong Liu
- Tsinghua-Foxconn Nanotechnology Research Center and Department of Physics, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shoushan Fan
- Tsinghua-Foxconn Nanotechnology Research Center and Department of Physics, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084, China
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Hu Y, Wu G, Lan T, Zhao J, Liu Y, Chen W. A Graphene-Based Bimorph Structure for Design of High Performance Photoactuators. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2015; 27:7867-73. [PMID: 26498737 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201502777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
A photoactuator based on a tubular-shaped graphene composite bimorph is fabricated and shows reversible photoactuation with fast response and large deformation (deformation angle of ca. 479° in only 3.6 s), which is mostly attributed to the interfacial thermal stress. Various photoactuator devices based on the tubular bimorph, including a smart box and crawler-type robot that can mimic tank-track motion, are designed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Hu
- i-Lab, Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Guan Wu
- i-Lab, Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Tian Lan
- i-Lab, Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Jingjing Zhao
- i-Lab, Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Yang Liu
- i-Lab, Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Wei Chen
- i-Lab, Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
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Li Q, Liu C, Lin YH, Liu L, Jiang K, Fan S. Large-strain, multiform movements from designable electrothermal actuators based on large highly anisotropic carbon nanotube sheets. ACS NANO 2015; 9:409-418. [PMID: 25559661 DOI: 10.1021/nn505535k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Many electroactive polymer (EAP) actuators use diverse configurations of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as pliable electrodes to realize discontinuous, agile movements, for CNTs are conductive and flexible. However, the reported CNT-based EAP actuators could only accomplish simple, monotonous actions. Few actuators were extended to complex devices because efficiently preparing a large-area CNT electrode was difficult, and complex electrode design has not been carried out. In this work, we successfully prepared large-area CNT paper (buckypaper, BP) through an efficient approach. The BP is highly anisotropic, strong, and suitable as flexible electrodes. By means of artful graphic design and processing on BP, we fabricated various functional BP electrodes and developed a series of BP-polymer electrothermal actuators (ETAs). The prepared ETAs can realize various controllable movements, such as large-stain bending (>180°), helical curling (∼ 630°), or even bionic actuations (imitating human-hand actions). These functional and interesting movements benefit from flexible electrode design and the anisotropy of BP material. Owing to the advantages of low driving voltage (20-200 V), electrolyte-free and long service life (over 10000 times), we think the ETAs will have great potential applications in the actuator field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingwei Li
- Tsinghua-Foxconn Nanotechnology Research Center and Department of Physics and ‡School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084, China
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