Tunable-Deformed Graphene Layers for Actuation

Benefiting from unique planar structure, high flexibility, splendid thermal, and electric properties; graphene as a crucial component has been widely applied into smart materials and multi-stimulus responsive actuators. Moreover, graphene with easy processing and modification features can be decorated with various functional groups through covalent or non-covalent bonds, which is promising in the conversion of environmental energy from single and/or multi-stimuli, to mechanical energy. In this review, we present the actuating behaviors of graphene, regulated by chemical bonds or intermolecular forces under multi-stimuli and summarize the recent advances on account of the unique nanostructures in various actuation circumstances such as thermal, humidity, electrochemical, electro-/photo-thermal, and other stimuli.