posted on 2019-02-22, 00:00authored byHao Li, Jianfeng Wang
Synthetic
soft actuators with the integration of fast response
speed, large-scale displacement, and precise control over deformation
direction are highly demanded for implementing agile and precise mechanical
movements in smart robots, artificial muscles, and biomimetic devices.
In this work, ultrafast yet controllable all-carbon actuators are
created based on graphene oxide and oriented carbon nanotubes. This
all-carbon actuator shows humidity- and near infrared light-induced
actuation with unprecedented performance integration, including ultrafast
response (0.08 s), ultralarge deformation (angle change per length
70 °/mm), on-demand control over deformation direction (directional
bending and chiral twisting), and high reversibility (no detectable
fatigue after 10 000 cycles). Impressively, the remarkable
actuation performances allow the all-carbon actuator to implement
diverse unusual movements, including light-triggered jumping vertically
at a speed of 250 mm/s, rolling horizontally at a speed of 12 mm/s,
throwing an object at a speed of 505 mm/s, arresting a high-speed
object (335 mm/s), as well as humidity-triggered lifting of an object
instantly (0.34 s).