Light-responsive reversible two-way shape memory polymers (2W-SMPs) are highly promising for many fields due to indirect heating, clean, and remote control. In this work, a composite with both thermal- and near-infrared (NIR) light-induced reversible two-way shape memory effect (2W-SME) is prepared by doping extremely little quantities of 2D non-layered molybdenum dioxide nanosheets (2D-MoO2 ) into semicrystalline poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA) networks. This is the first report on light-induced reversible two-way shape memory composites employing 2D-MoO2 as photothermal fillers. Upon switching the NIR light on and off, due to the excellent photothermal feature and stability of 2D-MoO2 , the composite exhibits remarkable light-induced reversible 2W-SME. A light-driven actuator for sensing applications is designed based on the composite and the circuit, where the lamp acting as an alarm can raise and fade upon responding to NIR light. A completely flexible, fuel-free self-walking soft robot is designed based on the advantages of the light-responsive reversible 2W-SMPs. Additionally, the composite acting as a light-fueled crane is able to lift and lower a load that is 3846 times its own weight. The results demonstrate that the prepared composite has a promising prospect for applications as actuators, self-walking soft robot and crane.
Keywords: 2D-MoO 2; multifunctional applications; near-infrared light responsive materials; reversible two-way shape memory; smart materials.
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