Programmable\nWrinkled MXene-Based Soft Actuators with\nMoisture- and Light-Responsive Deformation and Water-Surface Locomotion\nCapabilities

Soft\nactuators are limited by single-mode driving technology, which\nposes challenges in dealing with complex and multidimensional movements.\nIn this study, a multiresponsive soft actuator was fabricated by integrating\na microwrinkling structure into an MXene-based film, enabling programmable\nmotions. To achieve this, we introduced <i>n</i>-hexane\ninto the film preparation process and utilized its rapid volatilization\nto accelerate the shrinkage difference between the film and the substrate.\nThis resulted in anisotropic folding and excellent mechanical properties.\nDue to the remarkable moisture absorption and excellent toughness\nof MXene-based films, it exhibits rapid actuation in response to moisture\ngradients and light stimuli with large bending deformation, fast actuation\nspeed, as well as excellent stability and durability. The anisotropic\nexpansion and mechanical properties of the film enable it to have\ncapability of three-dimensional shape-programmable configuration control.\nFurthermore, taking advantage of the exceptional photothermal properties\nof MXene-based films, we developed light-driven actuators that utilize\nthe Marangoni effect for propulsion on the water surface, enabling\nprogrammable navigational control. Such a soft actuator has a broad\napplications prospect in the fields of biomimetic botanical models,\nterrestrial crawlers, and aquatic surface transport devices.