Molecular-channel driven actuator with considerations for multiple configurations and color switching

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03032-2
• Publication Date: 2018-02-05T11:33:35Z
• Authors: Jiuke Mu; Gang Wang; Hongping Yan; Huayu Li; Xuemin Wang; Enlai Gao; Chengyi Hou; Anh Thi Cam Pham; Lianjun Wu; Qinghong Zhang; Yaogang Li; Zhiping Xu; Yang Guo; Elsa Reichmanis; Hongzhi Wang; Meifang Zhu
• Keywords: Inert; Ionomer

The ability to achieve simultaneous intrinsic deformation with fast response in commercially available materials that can safely contact skin continues be an unresolved challenge for artificial actuating materials. Rather than using a microporous structure, here we show ambient-driven actuator takes advantage of inherent nanoscale molecular channels within commercial perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer (PFSA) film, fabricated by simple solution processing realize rapid response, self-adaptive, and exceptionally stable actuation. Selective patterning PFSA films on inert soft substrate (polyethylene terephthalate film) facilitates the formation range different geometries, including 2D (two-dimensional) roll or 3D (three-dimensional) helical structure vapor stimuli. Chemical modification surface allowed development kirigami-inspired single-layer personal humidity heat management through macroscale geometric design features, afford bilayer stimuli-responsive multicolor switching capability.