Low modulus materials that can shape-morph into different three-dimensional (3D) configurations in response to external stimuli have wide-ranging applications in flexible/stretchable electronics, surgical instruments, soft machines and soft robotics. This paper reports a shape-programmable system that exploits liquid metal microfluidic networks embedded in an elastomer matrix, with electromagnetic forms of actuation, to achieve a unique set of properties. Specifically, this materials structure is capable of fast, continuous morphing into a diverse set of continuous, complex 3D surfaces starting from a two-dimensional (2D) planar configuration, with fully reversible operation. Computational, multi-physics modeling methods and advanced 3D imaging techniques enable rapid, real-time transformations between target shapes. The liquid-solid phase transition of the liquid metal allows for shape fixation and reprogramming on demand. An unusual vibration insensitive, dynamic 3D display screen serves as an application example of this type of morphable surface.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-31092-y | DOI Listing |
Small Methods
January 2025
School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
Flexible tactile sensors have received significant attention for use in wearable applications such as robotics, human-machine interfaces, and health monitoring. However, conventional tactile sensors face challenges in accurately measuring pressure because vertical deformation is induced by Poisson's ratio in situations where lateral strain is applied. This study shows a strain-insensitive flexible tactile sensor array without the crosstalk effect using a highly stretchable mesh.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAcc Chem Res
January 2025
Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States.
ConspectusThe electronic properties of atomically thin van der Waals (vdW) materials can be precisely manipulated by vertically stacking them with a controlled offset (for example, a rotational offset─i.e., twist─between the layers, or a small difference in lattice constant) to generate moiré superlattices.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Am Chem Soc
January 2025
School of Rare Earths, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
Achieving ultrahigh permeance and superoleophobicity is crucial for membrane application. Here, we demonstrated that a poly(ionic liquid)/PES hydrogel membrane can achieve dual goals. The high polarity of the ionic liquids induces the water molecules on the membrane surface to be arranged more ordered, as verified by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and advanced femtosecond sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRSC Adv
January 2025
Laboratory of Clean Low-Carbon Energy, Department of Thermal Science and Energy Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230023 PR China.
Crafting highly dispersed active metal sites on catalysts is an optimal method for improving the catalytic reactivity and stability, as it would improve atomic utilization efficiency, enhance reactant adsorption and activation ability through unique geometric and electronic properties. In this study, two synthesis methods were employed (ammonia evaporation (AE) and the impregnation method (IM)) to load Rh species onto the ZSM-5 support in order to attain tunable dispersivity, during which a 1.25-fold increase in the total yield of liquid oxygenated products (32 433.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRSC Adv
January 2025
Norwegian Tribology Center, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) Trondheim Norway
The focus on energy efficiency to move towards a more sustainable use of resources has intensified efforts to minimize friction and wear in mechanical systems, which account for 23% of the world's energy consumption. In this study, polyoxometalate ionic liquids (POM-ILs) are introduced as environmentally acceptable lubricant additives, for their potential friction-reducing and anti-wear (AW) properties. These compounds, characterized by their complex structures and tunable properties, have been investigated for their tribological performance across base fluids of varying polarities.
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