Physical intelligent liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) is a key component in achieving external stimuli-responsive actuators capable of directional motion due to its programmable alignment. To expand the application of LCE to electronics beyond actuators that only perform simple physical movements, it is necessary to effectively hybridize conductive additives with non-conductive LCE. In this presentation, we introduce Ti₃C₂T_x MXene/LCE composite bilayer (named MLB) for shape-reconfigurable and locomotive electronics. The MLB was prepared by using a customized glass cell with MXene patterns, enabling us to conduct photopolymerization of LCE and transferring of MXene on the LCE layer, simultaneously. The MLB demonstrated high electrical conductivity of ~ 5,300 S cm^-1 and rapid photo-thermally driven actuation which exhibited maximum bending angle near 600° in 5 s. Furthermore, the MLB stably maintained its electrical conductivity and actuation performance during 1,000 times of photo-thermally driven actuation due to a strong interface between LCE and MXene originating from hydrogen bonding. The high electrical conductivity of MLB also allows for performing electro-thermally driven actuation under 3 V with a high bending angle near 700° for 20 s. Finally, we integrated collective assembled design into MLB to achieve multi-functional actuation and locomotion. By breaking the symmetry of the assembled design, the MLB performed directional locomotion, including caterpillar-like crawling and one-way rotating. Additionally, rapid jumping and sling-shot motions were also performed by introducing a rigid frame for snap-through, which artificially hinders the deformation of MLB and simultaneously increases accumulated energy.

Dong Jun Kang

Appearances