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Integrated 3D printing of flexible electroluminescent devices and soft robots

Author

Listed:
  • Pei Zhang

    (Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Iek Man Lei

    (Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Guangda Chen

    (Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Jingsen Lin

    (Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Xingmei Chen

    (Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Jiajun Zhang

    (Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Chengcheng Cai

    (Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Xiangyu Liang

    (Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Ji Liu

    (Southern University of Science and Technology
    Southern University of Science and Technology
    Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Human-Augmentation and Rehabilitation Robotics in Universities, Southern University of Science and Technology)

Abstract

Flexible and stretchable light emitting devices are driving innovation in myriad applications, such as wearable and functional electronics, displays and soft robotics. However, the development of flexible electroluminescent devices via conventional techniques remains laborious and cost-prohibitive. Here, we report a facile and easily-accessible route for fabricating a class of flexible electroluminescent devices and soft robotics via direct ink writing-based 3D printing. 3D printable ion conducting, electroluminescent and insulating dielectric inks were developed, enabling facile and on-demand creation of flexible and stretchable electroluminescent devices with good fidelity. Robust interfacial adhesion with the multilayer electroluminescent devices endowed the 3D printed devices with attractive electroluminescent performance. Integrated our 3D printed electroluminescent devices with a soft quadrupedal robot and sensing units, an artificial camouflage that can instantly self-adapt to the environment by displaying matching color was fabricated, laying an efficient framework for the next generation soft camouflages.

Suggested Citation

  • Pei Zhang & Iek Man Lei & Guangda Chen & Jingsen Lin & Xingmei Chen & Jiajun Zhang & Chengcheng Cai & Xiangyu Liang & Ji Liu, 2022. "Integrated 3D printing of flexible electroluminescent devices and soft robots," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:13:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-022-32126-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32126-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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