Rapid Photothermal-Responsive\nSoft Hydrogel Actuator\nContained Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<sub><i>x</i></sub> MXene and Laponite Clay with Enhanced Mechanical Properties

Photothermal responsive hydrogels are widely used in\nbionic soft\nactuators due to their remote-controlled capabilities and flexibility.\nHowever, their weak mechanical properties and limited responsiveness\nhinder their potential applications. To overcome this, we developed\nan innovative laponite/MXene/PNIPAm (L<sub><i>x</i></sub>M<sub><i>y</i></sub>PN) nanocomposite hydrogel that is\nmechanically robust and exhibits excellent photothermally responsive\nproperties based on abundant hydrogen bonds. Notably, laponite clay\nis used as a co-cross-linking agent to improve the mechanical properties\nof L<sub><i>x</i></sub>M<sub><i>y</i></sub>PN\nhydrogel, while MXene nanosheets are added to promote the photothermal\nresponsiveness. The resulting L<sub>3</sub>M<sub>0.4</sub>PN nanocomposite\nhydrogel exhibits enhanced mechanical properties, with a compressive\nstrength of 0.201 MPa, a tensile strength of 90 kPa, and a fracture\ntoughness of 27.25 kJ m<sup>–2</sup>. In addition, the L<sub>3</sub>M<sub>0.4</sub>PN hydrogel displays a deswelling ratio of\n73.6% within 60 s and experiences an excellent volume shrinkage of\n82.4% under light irradiation. Furthermore, hydrogel actuators with\nfast response behaviors are constructed and employed as grippers capable\nof grasping and releasing target objects. Overall, this high-strength\nand fast-responsive hydrogel actuator is beneficial to paving the\nway for remote controlled soft robots.