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Geometrically insensitive deform-and-go liquid crystal elastomer actuators through controlled radical diffusion

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Listed:
  • Xiaorui Zhou

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Yi Sheng

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Guancong Chen

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Hong Wan

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Luping Lu

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Hao Xing

    (tests.711)

  • Jiacheng Huang

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Zhan Zhu

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Yufei Wang

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Hanyuan Bao

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Jingjun Wu

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Qian Zhao

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Tao Xie

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Ning Zheng

    (Zhejiang University)

Abstract

The geometric shape and programming of mesogen alignment are two critical prerequisites for the effective actuation of liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) actuators. However, existing alignment programming approaches inevitably impose limitations on the geometric design of LCEs. In this study, we introduce a controlled radical diffusion mechanism that enables geometrically insensitive programming of actuation. Our findings show that LCEs can be deformed into complex structures via soft-elasticity and achieve the required mesogen alignment by simply soaking the LCE in an aqueous solvent of a free-radical initiator. The process requires no external assistance (maintained force, fixture, heating, or light) and the omnidirectional radicals’ diffusion enables precise implementation of actuation across arbitrary geometries, including those produced through 3D printing, molding, embossing, and origami techniques. This “deform-and-go” strategy allows for scalable and versatile fabrication of advanced LCE actuators, representing a significant advancement in soft robotics engineering.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaorui Zhou & Yi Sheng & Guancong Chen & Hong Wan & Luping Lu & Hao Xing & Jiacheng Huang & Zhan Zhu & Yufei Wang & Hanyuan Bao & Jingjun Wu & Qian Zhao & Tao Xie & Ning Zheng, 2025. "Geometrically insensitive deform-and-go liquid crystal elastomer actuators through controlled radical diffusion," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-62883-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62883-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Zhen-Zhou Nie & Bo Zuo & Meng Wang & Shuai Huang & Xu-Man Chen & Zhi-Yang Liu & Hong Yang, 2021. "Light-driven continuous rotating Möbius strip actuators," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-10, December.
    2. Guorui Li & Xiangping Chen & Fanghao Zhou & Yiming Liang & Youhua Xiao & Xunuo Cao & Zhen Zhang & Mingqi Zhang & Baosheng Wu & Shunyu Yin & Yi Xu & Hongbo Fan & Zheng Chen & Wei Song & Wenjing Yang & , 2021. "Self-powered soft robot in the Mariana Trench," Nature, Nature, vol. 591(7848), pages 66-71, March.
    3. Zengqi Huang & Lin Li & Tingqing Wu & Tangyue Xue & Wei Sun & Qi Pan & Huadong Wang & Hongfei Xie & Jimei Chi & Teng Han & Xiaotian Hu & Meng Su & Yiwang Chen & Yanlin Song, 2023. "Wearable perovskite solar cells by aligned liquid crystal elastomers," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, December.
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