Highly biomimetic triboelectric-generating soft actuator with a hollow bilayer structure for sensing, temperature-sensitive switching and high-temperature alarm

Biomimetic soft actuators have garnered significant attention due to their exceptional motion performance, which mimics the body structure of animals to deform upon stimulation. However, creating actuators that can generate electricity, emit light, and produce sound like animals remains a daunting challenge. Therefore, a triboelectric-generating soft actuator (TEG-SA) with a hollow bilayer structure that combines a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) was prepared. The LCE is equipped with poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) electrospun film and nylon 6/6 film as electric friction layers. Upon deformation by heat, the LCE drives the PVDF and nylon 6/6 to rub together, generating electrical signals, enabling it to achieve self-sensing and obtain the relevant information of the stimulus. Furthermore, the electrical signal can be processed by electronic component and converted into light and sound to alarm for high temperature. The TEG-SA can switch between high-temperature disconnection and conduction modes by a facile position change. The integration of TENG with soft actuators enriches the design of highly bionic actuators, making it a framework for the development of intelligent soft actuators with more stimulus responses.