A Ti3C2Tx MXene-Based Energy-Harvesting Soft Actuator with Self-Powered Humidity Sensing and Real-Time Motion Tracking Capability

A smart soft actuator with multiple capabilities of humidity-driven actuating, humidity energy harvesting, self-powered humidity sensing, and real-time motion tracking is reported. It is designed on the basis of an MXene/cellulose/polystyrene sulfonic acid (PSSA) composite membrane. This actuator is driven by asymmetric expansion under a moisture gradient during capture of the chemical potential of humidity to mechanical power. Meanwhile, the gradient moisture chemistry also induces directional proton diffusion to generate electricity with high power density and open-circuit voltage. A good linear correlation between the humidity sensitivity, electrical signal, and bending state of this actuator allows real-time tracking of motion modes with humidity change without an external power supply. This multifunctional soft actuator can be used for engineering smart switches, artificial fingers, and soft robots with trackable and distinguishable motion patterns, as well as sensitive noncontacting humidity sensor and breathing monitors.

Automated summary

The smart soft actuator reported in the study has multiple capabilities including humidity-driven actuating, humidity energy harvesting, self-powered humidity sensing, and real-time motion tracking. It is driven by asymmetric expansion under a moisture gradient and can generate electricity with high power density and open-circuit voltage. The actuator can track motion modes with humidity change in real-time without an external power supply, making it suitable for applications such as smart switches, artificial fingers, soft robots, humidity sensors, and breathing monitors.