Light-Driven Self-Oscillating Actuators with Phototactic Locomotion Based on Black Phosphorus Heterostructure

Area of Science:

• Biomimetic Soft Robotics
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Developing self-oscillating soft actuators for autonomous locomotion is a significant challenge in soft robotics.
• Existing actuators often require tethers or complex control systems, limiting their applicability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and demonstrate an untethered, self-oscillating soft photoactuator capable of autonomous, directional locomotion.
• To explore the potential of black phosphorus-carbon nanotubes heterostructures for light-driven actuation.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a heterostructure using covalently-bridged black phosphorus and carbon nanotubes integrated with polymer and paper.
• Utilizing the photothermal effect of the heterostructure for light-induced reversible deformation.
• Designing a robot configuration with a self-feedback loop to achieve self-oscillation and phototactic locomotion.

Main Results:

• The developed actuator exhibits fast and large light-driven reversible deformation due to the efficient photothermal effect.
• An inchworm-like robot was constructed, demonstrating autonomous crawling towards a light source.
• An artificial crab robot was realized, capable of simulating sideways locomotion and light-responsive color change.

Conclusions:

• The novel black phosphorus-carbon nanotubes heterostructure enables efficient light-driven self-oscillating soft actuation.
• This technology opens new avenues for creating autonomous, biomimetic soft robots with advanced locomotion and sensing capabilities.