MXene‐Based Soft Actuators with Multiresponse and Diverse Applications by a Simple Method

Abstract

Abstract Smart actuators that can convert external energy stimuli into mechanical energy output have great potential in industrial, biomedical, and military applications. However, the existed disadvantage such as complex fabrication process, single stimulus source, and the requirement of artificial energy restrict their further development. Herein, a MXene/polyethylene (PE)‐based soft actuator with multistimulus response and the ability to be driven by natural sunlight and human humidity is proposed through a simple method. Owing to the excellent electrical conductivity, high photothermal conversion capability, and surface hydrophilicity of MXene, the MXene/PE actuator exhibits rapid and large bending deformation in response to external multistimuli such as light, electricity, heat, and humidity. Owing to the simple preparation, and anisotropic, tailorable and programmable properties of the MXene/PE actuator, a soft robot that can crawl directionally under light conditions is constructed. In addition, based on the high sensitivity response of the actuator to light and humidity, smart clothing that can generate reversible bending deformation under natural sunlight as well as sweat conditions is developed. These results provide a new inspiration for the design of high‐performance soft actuators with multistimulus response, and demonstrate the potential applications of the MXene/PE actuators in smart devices, bionic robots, and wearable clothing.

Keywords

• bionic robot
• multistimulus response
• MXene
• soft actuator
• wearable application