Magnetic levitation photothermal actuator with sunlight traction. (21st June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lu, Yuying; Luo, Hongchun; Qiu, Jun
• Is Part Of: Smart materials and structures. Volume 30:Number 8(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-06-21
• Subjects: photothermal actuator -- sunlight traction -- magnetic field -- graphene -- remote control; Smart materials -- Periodicals; Strucural design -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1088/1361-665X/ac0672
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0964-1726

Abstract

Abstract: Solar energy has been paid more and more attention because of its huge amount and wide sources. A graphene/carbon nanotube aerogel (GNTA) system with three-dimensional porous structure was constructed and impregnated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to obtain GNTA/PDMS composite, reaching the absorption of 98% in the wavelength range of the solar spectrum. Pyrolytic graphite (PG) sheet and biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film were combined with the GNTA/PDMS composite to construct GNTA/PDMS-PG@BOPP photothermal actuator. With the light intensity gradually increased within 1–3 sun, the maximum bending curvature of the actuator reach 0.50 cm −1 in a magnetic field, which was 0.11 cm −1 higher than that in non-magnetic environment, showing low energy dissipation and high energy utilization efficiency. A 'wingsuit pilot' actuator and a bionic fish actuator were designed with the GNTA/PDMS-PG@BOPP composites. The actuators could move following the signal of sunlight in a magnetic field, and show deformation because of different thermal expansion properties of layers at the same time. The pre-programmed optical path and actuation could be integrated in this composite which shows great potential in the application of space exploration when exposed to harsh environment.