UV and IR dual light triggered cellulose-based invisible actuators with high sensitivity

Actuators are widely used in bionic devices and soft robots, among which invisible actuators have some unique applications, including performing secret missions. In this paper, highly visible transparent cellulose-based UV-absorbing films were prepared by dissolving cellulose raw materials using N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) and using ZnO nanoparticles as UV absorbers. Furthermore, transparent actuator was fabricated by growing highly transparent and hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film on regenerated cellulose (RC)-ZnO composite film. In addition to its sensitive response to Infrared (IR) light, the as-prepared actuator also shows a highly sensitive response to UV light, which is attributed to the strong absorption of UV light by ZnO NPs. Thanks to the drastic differences in adsorption capacity between the RC-ZnO and PTFE materials for water molecules, the asymmetrically-assembled actuator demonstrates extremely high sensitivity and excellent actuation performance, with a force density of 60.5, a maximum bending curvature of 3.0 cm-1, and a response time of below 8 s. Bionic bug, smart door and the arm of excavator made from the actuator all exhibit sensitive responses to UV and IR lights.

Automated summary

Transparent cellulose-based UV-absorbing films and drive actuators have been successfully prepared in this study. The actuators exhibit high sensitivity to both infrared and ultraviolet light and demonstrate excellent actuation performance. They have potential applications in bionic devices, such as simulating insects, smart doors, and excavator arms.