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Light-driven actuators with self-healing capability: A supramolecular core-shell elastomer approach.

Created on 08 Jul 2026

Authors

Yijun Liu, Kerui Huang, Qinglong Yu, Wanlin Han, Baoshu Chen, Longfei Yi

Published in

Journal of colloid and interface science. Volume 724. Issue Pt 1. Pages 141069. Jul 04, 2026. Epub Jul 04, 2026.

Abstract

Soft actuators for flexible electronics and soft robotics have garnered significant interest, while achieving rapid actuation, mechanical robustness, and self-healing capacity within a single system remains challenging. Here we disclosed an interfacial supramolecular strategy by incorporating polydopamine (PDA) decorated Liquid metal (EGaIn) microdroplets into an aqueous polyurethane (WPU) matrix to construct a dynamic supramolecular interface. The formation of multiple hydrogen bonds and metal-catechol coordination markedly enhances interfacial adhesion and energy dissipation without sacrificing chain mobility. Consequently, the WLMP film achieves complete crack closure and mechanical recovery within 12 h at room temperature, demonstrating autonomous self-healing. Moreover, the composites exhibit excellent strength (7.6 MPa), low modulus (3.03 MPa), high stretchability (1054.2%), and notch resistance. Furthermore, the broadband light absorption of PDA endows the composite with outstanding photothermal performance (96.2 °C in 240 s) under simulated sunlight irradiation at 100 mW cm-2, enabling NIR-driven actuators with rapid response and sophisticated biomimetic movement (0.5 and 1 W cm-2). The proposed strategy has opened new avenues for the development of highly integrated, stimuli-responsive soft materials.

PMID:
42413130
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 08 Jul 2026.

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