[O3-12]
Self-propelling gel actuators driven by autonomous chemomechanical Marangoni propulsion
발표자최재원 (포항공과대학교)
연구책임자김연수 (포항공과대학교)
Abstract
Autonomous propulsion without external energy input remains challenging in biomimetic soft robotics. Here, we report porous self-oscillating gels (PSGs) exhibiting rapid (~630 s) and large-amplitude (>13%) deformation via an internal Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction. The porous structure significantly enhances diffusivity, accelerating chemical wave propagation and enabling substantial volume changes. Consequently, internally generated formic acid is actively expelled, creating an asymmetrical surface tension gradient that drives continuous Marangoni propulsion. Unlike conventional actuators dependent on external stimuli or preloaded fuels, PSGs autonomously generate and spatiotemporally control chemical fuels. Furthermore, gel geometry can modulate locomotion modes, including linear, rotational, and combined trajectories. This bioinspired strategy offers a versatile platform for untethered soft actuators and autonomous microrobots.