AgNWs/Ti3C2Tx MXene-based multi-responsive actuators for programmable smart devices

Thermal bimorph actuators have important applications in artificial muscles, switches, and microsensors for robotics and biomimetic devices. To broaden the adaptability of environments, it is essential to fabricate thermal actuators with multiple stimulus responses, including electricity, near-infrared (NIR) light, and ultraviolet (UV) light, with fast and large deformations. Herein, a thermal actuator with programmable stimuli response was designed by combining silver nanowires (AgNWs) with Ti3C2Tx MXene. Due to the synergistic effect of AgNWs with high plasmonic properties and electrical conductivity as well as Ti3C2Tx MXene with good flexibility and photothermal properties, the obtained actuator can roll up for 2200° at a low driving voltage (2 V) and shows a fast response speed of 0.4 s for a bending angle of 360° under NIR light. More remarkably, the obtained thermal actuator can curl 360° in 1.2s under UV light which has never been reported before. We believe that such thermal actuators are attractive for a wide range of innovative technologies involving soft-bodied robots, intelligent grippers, bionic worms, and information cryptography.