Yue Youfeng, Norikane Yasuo, Nishibori Eiji
Core Electronics Technology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, 305-8565, Japan.
Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences and Tsukuba Research Center for Energy Materials Science (TREMS), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8571, Japan.
Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2025 Jun 2;64(23):e202503748. doi: 10.1002/anie.202503748. Epub 2025 Apr 4.
Geckos achieve rapid and efficient adhesion and detachment on various surfaces within milliseconds due to the hierarchically structured fibrillar architecture of their toe pads. Extensive research has focused on developing adhesive materials that mimic these micro-nano structures. However, no conventional adhesives have matched the performance of their natural counterparts, which are both non-degrading and self-cleaning. Here, we develop a chemically crosslinked polymer film with a nanoscale layered structure that exhibits high-speed switching of mechanical motions (expansion and contraction) in equation both forward and reverse directions through controlled ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Under UV light on/off switching, the film shows reversable shape changes in the direction perpendicular to the molecular alignment. These photoresponsive molecular movements in the film is demonstrated for remote control in a smart adhesion system with rapid responsiveness and high reproducibility. The films respond to UV light to release picked-up objects and immediately regain their adhesion when the UV light ceases. Additionally, we propose the working principles and mechanisms of these reusable adhesive films, providing new insights into the development of smart soft materials. The material's rapid deformation, high responsiveness, and flexibility make it a promising candidate for light-controlled object transport and remote-controlled robotics.
由于壁虎脚垫具有分级结构的纤维状构造，它们能够在数毫秒内在各种表面上实现快速而高效的附着和脱离。广泛的研究致力于开发模仿这些微纳结构的粘合材料。然而，没有哪种传统粘合剂能与天然粘合剂的性能相匹配，天然粘合剂既不会降解又能自我清洁。在此，我们开发了一种具有纳米级层状结构的化学交联聚合物薄膜，通过可控的紫外线（UV）照射，该薄膜在正反两个方向上都能在等式中实现机械运动（膨胀和收缩）的高速切换。在紫外线开/关切换下，薄膜在垂直于分子排列的方向上显示出可逆的形状变化。在具有快速响应性和高重现性的智能粘附系统中，证明了薄膜中这些光响应分子运动可用于远程控制。薄膜对紫外线作出响应以释放拾取的物体，并在紫外线停止时立即恢复其粘附力。此外，我们提出了这些可重复使用的粘合薄膜的工作原理和机制，为智能软材料的开发提供了新的见解。该材料的快速变形、高响应性和柔韧性使其成为光控物体运输和遥控机器人技术的有前途的候选材料。
