A multi-responsive soft actuator with integrated sensing based on an MXene trilayer composite

Abstract

The rapid development of soft actuators that can generate shape deformation under external stimuli has shown great importance in many fields such as soft robotics and wearable technology. However, most of the soft actuators are driven by only a single external stimulus and lack sensing of their deformation process, which may restrict their further application in more smart and convenient scenarios. Therefore, developing soft actuators with multi-stimuli response and integrated sensing function is highly required. Here, we design and fabricate a soft actuator based on an MXene trilayer composite film, which exhibits multi-responsive actuation with the integrated simultaneous sensing capability. The MXene/Paper/polyimide trilayer actuator utilizes MXene's excellent photothermal conversion efficiency, high electrical conductivity, and good hydrophilicity, combined with the hygroscopic expansion properties of cellulose paper and the thermal expansion of polyimide. This composite structure design enables the actuator to respond to light, electrical, and humidity stimuli to generate deformation, while providing integrated strain-sensing as well as actuation feedback. As a demonstration, the actuator can be used to construct flexible bionic grippers for grasping objects with irregular shapes, light controlled contactless switches, and light driven boats. Moreover, a self-sensing gripper with the capability of monitoring the light-driven object manipulation process is also realized. This work presents a simple approach for soft actuators with multi-stimuli actuation and integrated sensing in soft robotics and wearable devices.