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A chaotic self-oscillating sunlight-driven polymer actuator

Author

Listed:
  • Kamlesh Kumar

    (Eindhoven University of Technology)

  • Christopher Knie

    (Humboldt-Universitat zu Berlin, Brook-Taylor-Strasse 2)

  • David Bléger

    (Humboldt-Universitat zu Berlin, Brook-Taylor-Strasse 2)

  • Mark A. Peletier

    (Eindhoven University of Technology
    Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology)

  • Heiner Friedrich

    (Eindhoven University of Technology)

  • Stefan Hecht

    (Humboldt-Universitat zu Berlin, Brook-Taylor-Strasse 2)

  • Dirk J. Broer

    (Eindhoven University of Technology
    Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology)

  • Michael G. Debije

    (Eindhoven University of Technology)

  • Albertus P. H. J. Schenning

    (Eindhoven University of Technology
    Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology)

Abstract

Nature provides much inspiration for the design of materials capable of motion upon exposure to external stimuli, and many examples of such active systems have been created in the laboratory. However, to achieve continuous motion driven by an unchanging, constant stimulus has proven extremely challenging. Here we describe a liquid crystalline polymer film doped with a visible light responsive fluorinated azobenzene capable of continuous chaotic oscillatory motion when exposed to ambient sunlight in air. The presence of simultaneous illumination by blue and green light is necessary for the oscillating behaviour to occur, suggesting that the dynamics of continuous forward and backward switching are causing the observed effect. Our work constitutes an important step towards the realization of autonomous, persistently self-propelling machines and self-cleaning surfaces powered by sunlight.

Suggested Citation

  • Kamlesh Kumar & Christopher Knie & David Bléger & Mark A. Peletier & Heiner Friedrich & Stefan Hecht & Dirk J. Broer & Michael G. Debije & Albertus P. H. J. Schenning, 2016. "A chaotic self-oscillating sunlight-driven polymer actuator," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-8, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:7:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms11975
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms11975
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    Cited by:

    1. Jingjing Li & Linlin Mou & Zunfeng Liu & Xiang Zhou & Yongsheng Chen, 2022. "Oscillating light engine realized by photothermal solvent evaporation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-11, December.
    2. Yeongju Jung & Kangkyu Kwon & Jinwoo Lee & Seung Hwan Ko, 2024. "Untethered soft actuators for soft standalone robotics," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-19, December.
    3. Cheng, Quanbao & Zhou, Lin & Du, Changshen & Li, Kai, 2022. "A light-fueled self-oscillating liquid crystal elastomer balloon with self-shading effect," Chaos, Solitons & Fractals, Elsevier, vol. 155(C).

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