A humidity-sensitive bilayer actuator derived from cellulose nanofibrils and reduced graphene oxide

In this presentation, accent will be put upon the design, characterization, optimization and concept application of a functional system constructed partly from renewable biomaterial (cellulose nanofibrils). 1D nanocellulose materials are important innovations towards a sustainable society. The goal is to design a new smart material composed in part from renewable resources to make ultimately better materials .

More precisely, during this conference, a presentation of a nanomaterial-based organic-inorganic humidity-sensitive bilayer actuator composed of TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (TCNF-Na+) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets will be performed. The TCNF-Na+/rGO actuator displayed a large humidity-driven locomotion with an unusually slow bending and fast unbending.  Its locomotion and response to humidity variations can be controlled by cationic exchange of the anionically charged TCNF-Na+ or by tuning the TCNF-Na+ layer thickness. Finally, a concept application of the actuator will be shown to the audience.