Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tae-Ho Kim, Jaydon Vanloo, Woo Soo Kim
Summary: The study focuses on the development of cooperative healthcare sensing robots that monitor and evaluate patients' muscle functions through gait analysis and electromyography. By integrating biological sensors and using a green strategy, the robots are designed with durable 3D origami structures for different applications in healthcare monitoring, such as insoles and humanoid hands. These robots show promise in providing convenient and quality care for patients through empathetic adaptability with humans.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Murielle Schreck, Nicole Kleger, Fabian Matter, Junggou Kwon, Elena Tervoort, Kunal Masania, Andre R. Studart, Markus Niederberger
Summary: The use of carefully designed 3D printed polymeric scaffolds in monolithic aerogels composed of crystalline nanoparticles allows for the optimization of photocatalytic performance and mechanical stability. By controlling the geometry of the photocatalysts, fundamental parameters in gas phase photocatalysis can be systematically studied and improved, leading to significant increases in hydrogen production rate and overall performance.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Manpreet Kaur, Tae-Ho Kim, Woo Soo Kim
Summary: Sensing robots are highly desirable in practical settings, but face challenges such as geometric difficulty in sensor positioning and structural complexity. Integrating 3D electronics into 3D printed objects provides a potential solution for designing realistic sensing robot systems.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hiroyuki Tetsuka, Lorenzo Pirrami, Ting Wang, Danilo Demarchi, Su Ryon Shin
Summary: The integration of flexible and stretchable electronics into biohybrid soft robotics can enable the fabrication of new biohybrid soft machines with various applications. Using wireless transmission of electrical power, untethered biohybrid soft robots capable of swimming motions have been developed. By differentiating induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes on wireless-powered cell stimulators, the native myofiber architecture is replicated with enhanced contractibility. The wirelessly modulated electrical frequencies control the speed and direction of the robots.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jia Li, Cyrille Boyer, Xuewen Zhang
Summary: This paper discusses the application progress of 3D printing in the preparation of photocatalysts, focusing on the advantages of photopolymerization-based 3D printing technology and prospects for its application in the production of photocatalyst products.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aaron Haake, Ravi Tutika, Gwyneth M. Schloer, Michael D. Bartlett, Eric J. Markvicka
Summary: A direct ink writing technique has been developed to program the LM microstructure in elastomer composites, enabling the creation of filaments, films, and 3D structures with unique LM microstructures. The printed materials are soft, highly deformable, and can be made locally insulating or electrically conductive using a single ink by controlling the process conditions.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Cheng Zhang, Chuchu Feng, Junwei Yuan, Zhiyun Wang, Yanan Wang, Shiyuan Zhou, Peiyang Gu, Yang Li
Summary: The utilization of solar-driven photocatalysis is a promising approach to address challenges posed by environmental pollution and energy scarcity. Silver phosphate (Ag3PO4)-based hybrid photocatalysts have gained significant attention due to their exceptional attributes, including high oxidation capacity, superior quantum conversion efficiency, and wide optical bandgap. These photocatalysts have been energetically used for the efficient degradation of various pollutants and biomedical materials. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals, current development, and challenges in nano-micro Ag3PO4-based photocatalysts, highlighting their applications in environmental and biomedical purposes.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mohammad Hasan Dad Ansari, Veronica Iacovacci, Stefano Pane, Mouloud Ourak, Gianni Borghesan, Izadyar Tamadon, Emmanuel Vander Poorten, Arianna Menciassi
Summary: Soft magnetic structures with non-uniform magnetization profiles can achieve multimodal locomotion in confined spaces. Nevertheless, incorporating magnetic anisotropy into these structures is challenging. The existing methods are either limited in achieving anisotropic profiles or too complex and time-consuming. This study demonstrates a 3D printing method that directly incorporates magnetic anisotropy into soft structures, providing a simple and time-efficient prototyping strategy for magnetic soft robots. The proposed process uses a custom electromagnetic coil system to orient the magnetized particles in the magnetic ink during printing, resulting in structures with orientation levels between 92% and 99%. The method allows for a wide range of magnetic anisotropies to be incorporated, as demonstrated by various remotely actuated small-scale soft robots printed using this method.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aiwu Zhou, Changyu Xu, Pojchanun Kanitthamniyom, Chelsea Shan Xian Ng, Gerard Joseph Lim, Wen Siang Lew, Shawn Vasoo, Xiaosheng Zhang, Guo Zhan Lum, Yi Zhang
Summary: By utilizing a circulating vat photopolymerization platform, magnetic soft millirobots (MSMRs) with high magnetic response can be 3D printed with high accuracy, showcasing their reversible 3D-to-3D transformation and liquid droplet manipulation capabilities, broadening their application in in vitro diagnostics.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuchen Wang, Rui Yin, Lishuai Jin, Mingzhu Liu, Yuchong Gao, Jordan Raney, Shu Yang
Summary: In this study, a 3D printable photoresponsive gold nanorod/LCE composite ink was developed for photothermal actuation. The printed filament showed a superior photothermal response and could be actuated into different shapes by controlling the area exposed to NIR light. A light-responsive soft robot was demonstrated using this customized composite structure and the ability to control locally exposed light.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Vaclav Zada, Kvetoslav Belda
Summary: This paper presents a suitable structure design of a robot manipulator for automated 3D concrete construction printing, as well as analytical solutions for its kinematics. The proposed structure has a higher number of degrees of freedom, which enhances the flexibility of the robot's end-effector carrying the printing head. The paper also derives the robot kinematics using a novel representation of working layers in the complex plane and provides examples to illustrate the theoretical results.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON AUTOMATION SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Sen Su, Tian He, Hui Yang
Summary: In this study, a DEA material that can be rapidly fabricated via 3D printing was investigated. The modified ink based on CN 9021 achieved optimal mechanical properties and was successfully printed on a self-designed 3D printing platform to produce DEAs. The 3D printed DEAs exhibited the same performance as those made by spin coating, but with a simplified and more efficient fabrication process.
SMART MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
(2023)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Bonan Sun, Rong Jia, Hang Yang, Xi Chen, Kai Tan, Qian Deng, Jingda Tang
Summary: Magnetic soft millirobots with joint structures developed by 3D printing hydrogels can achieve larger motions and reduce energy consumption by converting bending deformation into folding deformation through local deformation. These robots are capable of performing multimodal locomotion and programmed shape transformation, with potential surgical applications demonstrated in ex vivo experiments.
ADVANCED INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Chaoqun Xiang, Yisheng Guan, Haifei Zhu, Shangcan Lin, Yaowei Song
Summary: This paper presents flexible electroadhesion pads that are 3D printed and have potential applications in the grippers of soft robots, indicating a wide range of possibilities.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Manufacturing
Abdullah Alhijaily, Zekai Murat Kilic, A. N. Paulo Bartolo
Summary: Additive manufacturing (AM) is crucial for Industry 4.0 as it enhances productivity and resource efficiency. However, current AM systems face limitations in terms of time, versatility, and efficiency. Cooperative AM systems using gantry systems, robotic arms, and mobile robots offer a new solution. This review discusses their current state, information flow, planning, and examples. The paper also examines research challenges and future perspectives.
VIRTUAL AND PHYSICAL PROTOTYPING
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Su-Jin Song, Carmen C. Mayorga-Martinez, Jan Vyskocil, Marketa Castoralova, Tomas Ruml, Martin Pumera
Summary: Magnetotactic bacteria can be precisely controlled by applying a magnetic field, allowing them to remove organic phosphate pesticides from aqueous solutions by binding with organic matter. These bacteria exhibit swarm behavior and can move in a circular direction under a programmed magnetic field. This technology shows potential for pollution removal and retrieval in various environments through directional magnetic actuation.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jayraj V. Vaghasiya, Carmen C. Mayorga-Martinez, Jan Vyskocil, Martin Pumera
Summary: The authors developed a black phosphorous-based tactile sensor array system that provides touch sensing and audio feedback. This assistive technology is utilized by visually or speech-disabled individuals to communicate using audio as a platform. The piezoresistive tactile sensor based on a black phosphorous and polyaniline composite showed excellent sensitivity, low-pressure sensitivity, reasonable response time, and good cycle stability. A prototype device using six of these tactile sensors was able to convert pressed text into audio to assist visually or speech-disabled persons.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Abhilash Karuthedath Parameswaran, Jalal Azadmanjiri, Nithyadharseni Palaniyandy, Bhupender Pal, Sivaraj Palaniswami, Lukas Dekanovsky, Bing Wu, Zdenek Sofer
Summary: All-solid-state batteries (ASSBS) are a fascinating technology for next-generation energy storage due to their inherent safety. The use of nanomaterials can lead to high power/energy storage ASSBS for flexible electronics, transportation, and grid-scale energy storage. This review focuses on recent progress in utilizing nano concepts for energy harvesting in ASSB assemblies and explores successful strategies for using nanomaterials at challenging solid-solid interfaces.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Carmen C. Mayorga-Martinez, Jaroslav Zelenka, Karel Klima, Michaela Kubanova, Tomas Ruml, Martin Pumera
Summary: Modern micro/nanorobots have versatile capabilities for biomedical and environmental tasks. Magnetic microrobots are particularly promising for biomedical applications, as they can be fully controlled by a rotating magnetic field without the use of toxic fuels. These microrobots can also form swarms to perform tasks at a larger scale.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xia Peng, Mario Urso, Martin Pumera
Summary: Mass transfer plays a crucial role in heterogeneous reactions. Micro/nanomachines, as a promising technology for environmental applications, can greatly improve the performance of purification treatments due to their active motion ability and enhanced diffusion. In this study, we developed Pt-free single-component light-powered WO3 micromotors with enhanced diffusion and effective degradation capability for nitroaromatic contaminants in water.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
J. Azadmanjiri, L. Dekanovsky, Z. Sofer
Summary: In this research, different hybrid nanostructures were synthesized by annealing Ti3C2Tx with pre-selected group VI chalcogen elements. Among them, the Te/Ti3C2Tx supercapacitor showed the highest specific capacitance (150.6 F/g), as well as good cycling stability and energy density. These improvements were attributed to the formation of TiO2 and the large polarizability of the Te element.
MATERIALS TODAY SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Paula Mayorga-Burrezo, Carmen C. Mayorga-Martinez, Martin Pumera
Summary: Micromachines have been functionalized with magnetic components to achieve efficient magnetic microrobots with photodegradation activity for environmental pollutant decomposition. The influence of photocatalyst on the micromotors' trajectory in conjunction with magnetic motion was investigated. The light-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) power the microrobots and have a strong influence on magnetic trajectories, resulting in an unexpected alteration of their motion direction. These dual magnetic/photocatalytic microrobots showed great potential for catalytic applications in various fields.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Florian Dirnberger, Jiamin Quan, Rezlind Bushati, Geoffrey M. Diederich, Matthias Florian, Julian Klein, Kseniia Mosina, Zdenek Sofer, Xiaodong Xu, Akashdeep Kamra, Francisco J. Garcia-Vidal, Andrea Alu, Vinod M. Menon
Summary: By utilizing the strong coupling of light and matter in optical cavities, researchers have found that the optical properties of quantum materials can be controlled even without external cavity mirrors. In the layered magnetic semiconductor CrSBr, emergent light-matter hybrids called polaritons substantially increase the spectral bandwidth of correlations between magnetic, electronic, and optical properties, leading to largely tunable optical responses to applied magnetic fields and magnons. These findings highlight the importance of exciton-photon self-hybridization in van der Waals magnets and motivate new directions for manipulating quantum material properties through strong light-matter coupling.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Liping Liao, Evgeniya Kovalska, Jakub Regner, Qunliang Song, Zdenek Sofer
Summary: This review paper analyzes the use of van der Waals thin films derived from 2D materials in the advancement of thin-film electronics and optoelectronic devices. It highlights the superior properties and stability of inorganic nanomaterials that can be solution-processed, emphasizing the importance of solution-based processing. The challenges and potential of scalable 2D vdW thin films in driving advancements in electronics and optoelectronics are discussed.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Keval K. Sonigara, Jayraj V. Vaghasiya, Carmen C. Mayorga-Martinez, Martin Pumera
Summary: Flexible aqueous zinc-ion batteries with a Ti3C2Tx decorated sulfur cathode and iodine-added amphiphilic gel electrolyte show high storage capacity, good cycling stability, and excellent mechanical stability. They can power various electronic gadgets and offer promising potential for flexible energy storage technologies.
NPJ 2D MATERIALS AND APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
W. M. Linhart, M. Rybak, M. Birowska, P. Scharoch, K. Mosina, V. Mazanek, D. Kaczorowski, Z. Sofer, R. Kudrawiec
Summary: In this study, we investigate the influence of interlayer magnetic ordering on the properties of CrSBr using ab initio calculations and optical spectroscopy techniques. Our combined approach allows us to accurately determine the nature of optical transitions and assign them to the band structure. We find significant differences in electronic properties between two interlayer magnetic phases, with changes in magnetic ordering leading to modifications in the band structure and the splitting of conduction bands. Raman measurements also reveal temperature-dependent splitting of in-plane modes, which can be attributed to different interlayer magnetic states.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
C. W. Cho, A. Pawbake, N. Aubergier, A. L. Barra, K. Mosina, Z. Sofer, M. E. Zhitomirsky, C. Faugeras, B. A. Piot
Summary: Microwave absorption experiments were conducted on the van der Waals antiferromagnet CrSBr using phase-sensitive external resistive detection. The magnetic-field dependence of two resonance modes was measured in an applied field parallel to the three principal crystallographic directions, revealing anisotropies, magnetic transitions, and strong magnon-magnon coupling in the material. A microscopic spin model was formulated to explain the observed results, taking into account a bi-axial single-ion anisotropy and interplane exchange. Theoretical calculations accurately described the full magnon spectra, enabling the precise determination of microscopic interaction parameters for CrSBr.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jyoti, Jose Munoz, Martin Pumera
Summary: Graphene quantum dot-based microrobots demonstrate potential for optical real-time monitoring of DNA, offering high sensitivity and selectivity.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Radhika Nittoor Veedu, Siowwoon Ng, Michela Sanna, Martin Pumera
Summary: 3D printing technology allows for the creation of 3D electrodes, however, printed devices lack certain properties. To improve the photoelectrochemical properties of these electrodes, functionalized 2D germananes can be beneficial and the enhancement of photoelectrocatalytic performance extending with applications beyond water splitting.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Siowwoon Ng, Michela Sanna, Edurne Redondo, Martin Pumera
Summary: Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a popular technique for producing customized parts, and 3D carbon electrodes have great potential in electrochemical applications. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) can create functional coatings on 3D carbon electrodes, enhancing their performance in light-driven water splitting hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
