[Nano Energy] Biomimetic Underwater Self-Perceptive Actuating Soft System Based on Highly Compliant, Morphable and Conductive Sandwiched Thin Films
writer:Yun Liang, Peng Xiao*, F Ni, L Zhang, Tao Zhang*, S Wang, W Zhou, S.W. Kuo, and Tao Chen*
keywords:conformal conductive films, morphable, water-repellent, pneumatic actuator, synergetic perceptive and actuating systems
source:期刊
specific source:Nano Energy, 2021, 81, 105617
Issue time:2021年
In biological system, autonomic neural perception and motion behaviors enable adaptive capability to the external environments. The biomimetic construction of soft materials with synergetic perceptive and actuating characteristics that is highly desirable for realizing the intelligent soft systems. Also, current prototypes do not provide appropriate platforms for the closeup exploration of underwater life in a safely and silently interactive way. Here, we have developed a compliant, morphable and conductive sandwiched film composed of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) film sandwiched between two polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layers that can function as a self-perceptive soft actuator. The vertical movement of the actuator can be accurately controlled by applying extra pressure, which attributed to the deformation of elastic ultrathin PDMS film like the swim bladder. Furthermore, the actuator can real-time traced the actuation process and sensing the surrounding environment by composite a layer of CNTs film, also realized to guide the motions of the actuator according to the feedback signals.