Moiré superlattice-driven bionic hydrogel robot with programmable multifunctionality

Area of Science:

• Robotics
• Materials Science
• Nanoscience

Background:

• Hydrogel robots offer flexibility for exploring complex environments, but sensor integration is difficult.
• Marine organisms inspire new designs for responsive robotic systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an anemone-like light-driven hydrogel robot (ALHR) for directional infrared radiation detection.
• To address the challenge of integrating sensors into hydrogel robotic bodies.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a black phosphorus/tungsten disulfide (BP/WS2) moiré superlattice using ultrasonic-assisted stacking.
• Utilizing a composite poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) hydrogel for the robot's base and tentacles.
• Employing light-induced photothermal effects for directional movement and photocurrent generation for detection.

Main Results:

• The fabricated BP/WS2 superlattice demonstrated high dual-mode photothermal-photovoltaic conversion efficiency.
• The ALHR exhibited directional movement triggered by specific illumination.
• The robot successfully conducted photocurrent signals for infrared detection upon tentacle retraction.

Conclusions:

• The ALHR presents a promising solution for early overheating fault identification in equipment.
• This work proposes a universal design framework for multifunctional hydrogel robots by integrating responsive and driving units.
• The synergistic effects of multiple materials enable advanced functionalities in hydrogel robotics.