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Dynamic diselenide bond-enabled liquid crystal elastomer-based two-way shape memory aerogels with weldability and
Meng Wang1, Jingshu Li1, Hong Yang1
1Institute of Advanced Materials School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering Southeast University Nanjing China.
Smart Molecules : Open Access
|July 8, 2025
Summary
This study presents novel two-way shape memory polymeric aerogels (2W-SMPAs) using liquid crystal elastomers and dynamic diselenide bonds. These advanced materials offer reprogrammability and reversible shape deformation for applications in soft actuators and control devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Soft Matter Physics
Background:
- Two-way shape memory polymeric aerogels (2W-SMPAs) exhibit reversible shape deformation, enabling applications in actuators, sensors, and robotics.
- Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are promising materials for stimuli-responsive applications due to their unique phase behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel 2W-SMPA material utilizing LCEs with dynamic diselenide bonds.
- To investigate the reprogrammability, weldability, and recyclability of the fabricated LCE-based aerogel.
- To explore the photothermal-induced shape deformation capabilities of the material.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of LCE-based aerogels incorporating dynamic diselenide bonds.
- Characterization of liquid crystal phases, compressibility, shape stability, and mesogen orientation.
- Evaluation of thermal reorganization for reprogrammability, weldability, and recyclability.
- Assessment of reversible shape deformation under heating/cooling cycles and photothermal stimulation.
Main Results:
- The LCE-based aerogel exhibits liquid crystal phases, excellent compressibility, shape stability, and uniaxial mesogen orientation.
- Dynamic diselenide bonds enable remarkable reprogrammability, weldability, and recyclability via thermal reorganization.
- The shape-programmed aerogel shows reversible shrinking deformation (up to 26.1%) during thermal cycles.
- The material demonstrates reversible photothermal-induced shape deformation upon exposure to 520 nm light, facilitated by dye adsorption.
Conclusions:
- A novel LCE-based aerogel with dynamic diselenide bonds was successfully fabricated.
- The material exhibits excellent shape memory properties, reprogrammability, and photothermal responsiveness.
- This innovative aerogel holds significant potential for applications in soft actuators, control devices, and other advanced fields.
