A graphene-based photo-electro-thermal metamaterial for soft fixtures with superior grasping performance
Bowen Yang,
Xuanchen Dong,
Wenhao Lv,
Wenzhuo Liu,
Mengying Lu,
Zhe Liu,
Tonghui Lu,
Xianglin Li,
Song Lv
Affiliations
Bowen Yang
School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Energy Power Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063 China
Xuanchen Dong
School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Energy Power Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063 China
Wenhao Lv
School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063 China
Wenzhuo Liu
School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Energy Power Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063 China
Mengying Lu
School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Energy Power Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063 China
Zhe Liu
School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Energy Power Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063 China
Tonghui Lu
School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Energy Power Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063 China
Xianglin Li
School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Energy Power Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063 China
Song Lv
School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Energy Power Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063 China; School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063 China; Corresponding author
Summary: Soft actuators are valued for their adaptability and diverse applications but often face challenges like slow response, high activation energy, and high energy consumption. To address these issues, we developed a graphene-assembled film (GAF) via the redox method, characterized by high thermal conductivity, conductivity, and stiffness. Using GAF as a photothermal and electrothermal driver, we engineered a sandwich-structured metamaterial (SSM) by combining two polymers with vastly different thermal expansion coefficients. The SSM achieved rapid response (0.18 mm⁻1), surpassing conventional designs in response speed (226.2% faster) and curvature (249.1% higher). This metamaterial enables soft fixtures with superior gripping capabilities and low energy consumption, handling up to eight times the object mass of traditional designs. This work highlights advances in multi-stimulus metamaterials, offering significant implications for the development of high-performance soft actuators.
