Construction of Gradient Structure Based on Janus MXene Film Contributing to Bioinspired Actuating Performances

Taking inspiration from nature, researchers make efforts to develop flexible self-adaptive actuators, which are wearable and able to be integrated in clothing in order to meet the new demands of the intelligent era. MXene, an emerging two-dimensional nanomaterial, is gaining popularity owing to its unique properties. Herein, a kind of Janus MXene film actuator is developed through a simple method of one-step vacuum filtration with a specific Celgard 3501 membrane. The cause of the Janus properties and the actuation mechanism are demonstrated in detail. A sample of smart cloth functionalized by the Janus MXene films is further shown to illustrate its potential application. Based on the Janus MXene film actuator, GO/MXene and MXene/PDMS film actuators are designed for enhanced asymmetric structures according to hydrophilicity gradient. Finally, two different structural colors caused by the thin-film interference and photonic crystals are respectively applied to GO/MXene and MXene/PDMS film actuators, exhibiting chromogenic and chromic phenomena along with actuating performances.