Maximizing light-to-heat conversion of Ti3C2Tx MXene metamaterials with wrinkled surfaces for artificial actuators

MXene, a promising photothermal nanomaterial, faces challenges due to densely stacked nanosheets with high refractive index (RI). To maximize photothermal performance, MXene metamaterials (m-MXenes) are developed with a superlattice with alternating MXene and organic layers, reducing RI and inducing...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nature communications 2024-12, Vol.15 (1), p.10507-11
Main Authors: Shin, Hwansoo, Jeong, Woojae, Han, Tae Hee
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
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639/301/923
Absorption
Actuators
Artificial muscles
Deformation effects
Dip coatings
Elastomers
Electromagnetic absorption
Grippers
Humanities and Social Sciences
Immersion coating
Light effects
Liquid crystals
Metamaterials
multidisciplinary
Muscles
MXenes
Nanomaterials
Nanotechnology
Optical bistability
Optical properties
Photothermal conversion
Refractivity
Science
Science (multidisciplinary)
Skeletal muscle
Superlattices
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Summary:MXene, a promising photothermal nanomaterial, faces challenges due to densely stacked nanosheets with high refractive index (RI). To maximize photothermal performance, MXene metamaterials (m-MXenes) are developed with a superlattice with alternating MXene and organic layers, reducing RI and inducing multiple light reflections. This approach increases light absorption, inducing 90% photothermal conversion efficiency. The m-MXene is coated onto liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) fibers, as actuating platforms via a dip-coating (m-MXene/aLCE fiber), exhibiting excellent light-driven actuating owing to the synergetic effect of the patterned m-MXene laysers by structural deformation. The m-MXene/aLCE fibers lift ~6,900 times their weight and exhibit a work density 6 times higher than that of human skeletal muscle. It is applied to artificial muscles, grippers, and a bistable structure (a shooting device, and switchable gripper). Our study offers an effective strategy to enhance light absorption in 2D nanomaterials and contributes to advancements in photothermal technologies in various fields. Metamaterials can combine materials with distinct properties to achieve desired optical properties. Here, wrinkled MXene metamaterials with nano- and micro-structured assembly maximize the photothermal effect, with promising uses like soft actuators
ISSN:2041-1723
2041-1723
DOI:10.1038/s41467-024-54802-0