High performance microelectrochemical actuators based on 2D MXenes – MEACT

Microelectrochemical actuators are attractive for artificial intelligence due to the dynamic tunable interactions for human-machine interface. In order to achieve high performance electro-mechanical transductive actuator using electrochemical driving force, high ion storage of electrodes play an important role. However, current electrochemical actuators suffer from low energy transduction efficiency (typically lower than 1%). In this project, we propose to develop functionalized two-dimensional MXene nanomaterials as the conductive electrode for electrochemical actuator. We have recently shown the multilayer MXene serving as effective photothermal actuator. Functionalization of MXenes provides additional degree of freedom to tailor the ionic adsorption, intercalation, and storage capacities, which could enhance the electrochemical actuator performance. We will develop an analytical methodology based on the combination of scanning electrochemical probe techniques with force sensing for studying the mechanism and dynamic electrochemical-force actuation relationship at microscale. This will deepen the scientific understanding of the material by correlating the local electrochemical and force behavior with macroscopic electrode performance, as well as guide the optimization for achieving high performance. As a further step, tailorable actuator configuration with shaping, patterning, and strain engineering can be done by 3D printing of the MXene ink, and the developed microscale analytical methodology will serve to provide quality control for the printed structures. This project will target at MXene-based actuators that can produce a large bending/expansion strain (>1.5% or 10%, respectively), high blocking force of more than 5 mN and response at high frequencies up to 1 Hz under an extended driving voltage (1.5-3 V). Finally, we will demonstrate the assembly of functionalized MXene at device level, by constructing a prototype Braille that can be applied as a flexible soft tactile display for the blind.