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  4. Photothermomechanically Efficient, Low‐Cost, High‐Cycle‐Life, Hybrid MXene‐Polymer Actuators
 
research article

Photothermomechanically Efficient, Low‐Cost, High‐Cycle‐Life, Hybrid MXene‐Polymer Actuators

Iiyoshi, Ken
•
Korres, Georgios
•
Nagy, Orsolya  
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November 21, 2025
Advanced Materials Technologies

Photothermomechanical polymer film actuators stand out among the dynamic components available for soft robotics due to a combination of assets, such as capability for rapid energy transduction, wireless control, and ease of miniaturization. Despite their anticipated superior performance, several design challenges remain. These include high operational temperatures, inadequate mechanical output relative to the radiation energy provided, limited durability during repeated use, and high production costs; such factors hinder the scalability of these actuating materials in practical applications. Here, we report a viable solution by substituting performance‐enhancing nanoparticles with MXenes—carbon‐based, 2D materials known for their theoretical photothermal conversion efficiency of up to 100%. This led to the development of MXene‐dispersed polymer trilayer actuators (MPTAs). Extensive photothermal and thermomechanical characterization demonstrated superior performance compared to previously reported actuators, with a reduced shed power demand (0.1 mW cm −2 °C −1 ), substantial bending capacity per irradiation power per time (0.1° mW −1 cm 2 s −1 ), and enhanced cyclic longevity, with fatigueless operation of at least 1000 cycles. We demonstrate three applications: A kirigami‐inspired flower, parallel manipulator, and soft gripper. Additionally, these materials are cost‐effective; thus, they are the optimal choice for long‐term, reversible operation with efficient heat‐to‐work transduction.

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Type
research article
DOI
10.1002/admt.202501621
Author(s)
Iiyoshi, Ken
Korres, Georgios
Nagy, Orsolya  

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Roldán, Gabriel
Naumov, Panče
Schramm, Stefan
Eid, Mohamad
Date Issued

2025-11-21

Publisher

Wiley

Published in
Advanced Materials Technologies
Article Number

e01621

Editorial or Peer reviewed

REVIEWED

Written at

EPFL

EPFL units
EPFL  
Available on Infoscience
November 24, 2025
Use this identifier to reference this record
https://infoscience.epfl.ch/handle/20.500.14299/256218
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