A Multifunctional Ionograsper Enabling Ion‐Redistribution Proximity Sensing and Structural‐Reconfiguration‐Driven Bidirectional Actuation

ABSTRACT Autonomous soft actuators are essential for untethered intelligent robotic systems. However, achieving energy‐efficient operation and long‐term shape retention in solid‐state platforms remains a significant challenge, as most conventional systems rely on continuous power input or complex fluidic architectures. Here, we report an environmentally adaptive ionic actuator inspired by the Venus flytrap, capable of self‐sensing and bidirectional deformation without sustained external energy. By incorporating azobenzene moieties into an ionogel network, we trigger a unique nanopore‐mediated Janus actuation. A single, low‐power UV pulse (35.3 mW cm −2 ) induces rapid photoisomerization and localized dehydration, forming surface nanopores that facilitate asymmetric moisture uptake. This structural reconfiguration drives directional bending that is passively maintained for over 10 min, which is an exceptionally long retention time compared to conventional soft actuators. Furthermore, electrification‐induced voltage signals enable zero‐bias proximity sensing. By integrating these synergistic characteristics, we demonstrate a biomimetic ionograsper that combines ion‐redistribution‐induced sensing with energy‐efficient light‐triggered actuation for sophisticated object manipulation. Overall, this work provides a robust strategy for developing multifunctional and power‐efficient soft robots capable of intelligent environmental interaction.

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Materials
Published
2026-09-14
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.74981
Primary Topic
Advanced Materials and Mechanics
Type
article
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article

A Multifunctional Ionograsper Enabling Ion‐Redistribution Proximity Sensing and Structural‐Reconfiguration‐Driven Bidirectional Actuation

Jin Han Kwon, Hong Chul Moon, Yong Min Kim, Gyeong Rok Lee et al.
Advanced Materials
Advanced Materials and Mechanics
article

A Multifunctional Ionograsper Enabling Ion‐Redistribution Proximity Sensing and Structural‐Reconfiguration‐Driven Bidirectional Actuation

Jin Han Kwon, Hong Chul Moon, Yong Min Kim, Gyeong Rok Lee, Hyeon Woo Yang, Sungryong Kim
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT Autonomous soft actuators are essential for untethered intelligent robotic systems. However, achieving energy‐efficient operation and long‐term shape retention in solid‐state platforms remains a significant challenge, as most conventional systems rely on continuous power input or complex fluidic architectures. Here, we report an environmentally adaptive ionic actuator inspired by the Venus flytrap, capable of self‐sensing and bidirectional deformation without sustained external energy. By incorporating azobenzene moieties into an ionogel network, we trigger a unique nanopore‐mediated Janus actuation. A single, low‐power UV pulse (35.3 mW cm −2 ) induces rapid photoisomerization and localized dehydration, forming surface nanopores that facilitate asymmetric moisture uptake. This structural reconfiguration drives directional bending that is passively maintained for over 10 min, which is an exceptionally long retention time compared to conventional soft actuators. Furthermore, electrification‐induced voltage signals enable zero‐bias proximity sensing. By integrating these synergistic characteristics, we demonstrate a biomimetic ionograsper that combines ion‐redistribution‐induced sensing with energy‐efficient light‐triggered actuation for sophisticated object manipulation. Overall, this work provides a robust strategy for developing multifunctional and power‐efficient soft robots capable of intelligent environmental interaction.

Advanced Materials
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KR), Jeonbuk National University (KR)
Affordable and clean energy
Openalex Percentile: Top 20%
Advanced Materials and Mechanics
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A Multifunctional Ionograsper Enabling Ion‐Redistribution Proximity Sensing and Structural‐Reconfiguration‐Driven Bidirectional Actuation — Jin Han Kwon, Hong Chul Moon, et al. · Advanced Materials (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS