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Research Article

Photo-thermoelectric generator integrated in graphene-based actuator for self-powered sensing function

Peidi Zhou1,2,3, Jian Lin1,2,3, Wei Zhang1,2,3, Zhiling Luo1,2,3, Luzhuo Chen1,2,3( )
Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Manipulation and New Energy Materials, College of Physics and Energy, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China
Fujian Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced High-Field Superconducting Materials and Engineering, Fuzhou 350117, China
Fujian Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Solar Energy Conversion and Energy Storage, Fuzhou 350117, China
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Graphical Abstract

A graphene-based light-driven actuator is proposed. By integrating a photo-thermoelectric generator into the actuator, the self-powered sensing function isrealized.

Abstract

Smart actuators integrated with sensing functions are taking a significant role in constructing intelligent robots. However, the detection of sensing signals in most actuators requires external electrical power, lacking in the self-powered feature. Herein, we report a graphene-based light-driven actuator with self-powered sensing function, which is designed by integrating a photo-thermoelectric generator into the actuator intelligently. When one part of the actuator is irradiated by near-infrared light, it shows a deformation with bending curvature up to 1.5 cm−1, owing to the mismatch volume changes between two layers of the actuator. Meanwhile, the temperature difference across the actuator generates a voltage signal due to the photo-thermoelectric effect. The Seebeck coefficient is higher than 40 μV/K. Furthermore, the self-powered voltage signal is consistent with the deformation trend, which can be used to characterize the deformation state of actuator without external electrical power. We further demonstrate a gripper and a bionic hand. Their deformations mimic the motions of human hand (or finger), even making complex gestures. Concurrently, they can output self-powered voltage signals for sensing. We hope this research will pave a new way for self-powered devices, state-of-the-art intelligent robots, and other integrated multi-functional systems.

Keywords

photo-thermoelectric effectgeneratorlight-driven actuatorself-poweredgraphene

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Nano Research
Volume 15 Issue 6,
June 2022
Pages 5376-5383
DOI: 10.1007/s12274-021-3791-3
Cite this article:
Zhou P, Lin J, Zhang W, et al. Photo-thermoelectric generator integrated in graphene-based actuator for self-powered sensing function. Nano Research, 2022, 15(6): 5376-5383. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12274-021-3791-3
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Received: 11 May 2021
Revised: 02 August 2021
Accepted: 03 August 2021
Published: 29 August 2021
© Tsinghua University Press and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2021
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