A graphene-based photo-electro-thermal metamaterial for soft fixtures with superior grasping performance.

ABSTRACT: Soft actuators are valued for their adaptability and diverse applications but often face challenges like slow response, high activation energy, and high energy consumption. To address these issues, we developed a graphene-assembled film (GAF) via the redox method, characterized by high thermal conductivity, conductivity, and stiffness. Using GAF as a photothermal and electrothermal driver, we engineered a sandwich-structured metamaterial (SSM) by combining two polymers with vastly different thermal expansion coefficients. The SSM achieved rapid response (<5 s), low actuation energy (≤0.22 W cm⁻² or ≤3.55 V), and large bending curvature (>0.18 mm⁻¹), surpassing conventional designs in response speed (226.2% faster) and curvature (249.1% higher). This metamaterial enabl

SUBMITTER: Yang B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11787534 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature