journal article·2026-01

Ultrafast and Multi‐Stimuli‐Responsive MXene Soft Actuators via Heterostructure Design for Biomimetic Applications

Yuchuan Wang, Di Pang, Ying He, Honglin Li, Yan Tang, Lijuan Ye, Hong Zhang, Wanjun Li

Advanced Functional Materials· Volume 36· Issue 6
Publisher page

Abstract

Abstract Multi‐stimulus‐responsive actuators demonstrate significant potential in the fields of bionic robots, flexible electronics, and smart sensing. However, their practical applications have been hindered by inadequate environmental stability, limited response modes, and insufficient mechanical durability. This study designs an MXene&PVA/CNT&PVA (MP/CP) bilayer film actuator that achieves high‐performance multi‐field‐coupled actuation through interfacial chemistry modulation and dynamic strain gradient synergy. The actuator demonstrates fast and multimodal responsiveness, achieving a bending deformation of 516° within 0.5 s (with full recovery in 1 s) at 90% relative humidity (RH), reaching an even larger bending angle of 1128° under near‐infrared (NIR) light stimulation (200 mW cm − 2 ), while simultaneously exhibiting distinct sensitivity to polar solvents, and maintains exceptional environmental stability and cycling endurance. Capitalizing on these advantages, the MP/CP film enables precise control of smart switches, adaptive curtain operation, and biomimetic motions such as robotic locomotion and butterfly‐like multimodal flapping through sequential stimulus regulation. This work provides novel insights for developing multifunctional smart actuators, with broad application prospects in adaptive soft robotics and environmental interactive systems.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Advanced Materials and Mechanics · MXene and MAX Phase Materials · Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

College of Physics and Electronic Engineering Chongqing Normal University Chongqing 401331 P. R. China

Funding

Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing Municipality · National Natural Science Foundation of China

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