Light-responsive shape memory actuators with integrated self-powered sensing function based on polyvinylidene fluoride composites

The rapid progress of soft actuators across various domains has attracted considerable attention due to their diverse applications. However, the increasing demand for real-time feedback and closed-loop control in complex scenarios requires self-sensing capabilities for autonomous intelligent soft actuators. To address this issue, we proposed a self-powered sensing shape memory actuator based on polyvinylidene fluoride/carbon nanotube composites. These composites exhibited outstanding thermal and near-infrared light-responsive shape memory performance, achieving a shape recovery ratio close to 100 %. The reversible shape memory effects were achieved through a bilayer-structured material, thereby expanding its application as soft actuators. Moreover, the composites were used to fabricate a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) that exhibited high pressure sensing performance with a sensitivity of 0.127 V kPa −1 . Through careful design, the self-sensing function of the shape memory actuators was accomplished by the self-powered sensing of TENG driven by the reversible shape memory effects. Furthermore, we demonstrated practical applications of the self-powered sensing shape memory actuators by fabricating a light-control switch and a smart gripper. The gripper, in particular, demonstrated material recognition based on the actuating and sensing functions of the actuators. Overall, this work provides a feasible method to fabricate shape memory actuators with a self-powered sensing function, expected to have broad application potential in soft robotics, wearable electronics and other integrated multi-functional devices.