Multiresponsive Ti3C2Tx MXene-Based Actuators Enabled by Dual-Mechanism Synergism for Soft Robotics

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 (similar to 400 degrees) 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.

Automated summary

In this study, a mechanically robust and multiresponsive MXene-based actuator with a simple configuration, high mechanical strength, and low-power consumption was developed for soft robotics. The actuator utilizes the hygroexpansion of bacterial cellulose and the thermal expansion of biaxially oriented polypropylene to achieve high actuation performance. Unlike conventional single-mechanism actuators, this actuator provides a favorable architecture for dual-mechanism synergism, resulting in exceptionally reversible actuation performance. Furthermore, the actuator displays excellent long-distance photoresponsive property.