Electrochemically Responsive 3d Nanoarchitectures.

Responsive nanomaterials are being developed to create new unique functionalities such as switchable colours and adhesive properties or other programmable features in response to external stimuli. While many existing examples rely on changes in temperature, humidity, or pH, we aim to explore an alternative approach relying on simple electric input signals. More specifically, we develop three-dimensional (3D) electrochromic architected microstructures using carbon nanotube (CNT) - Tin (Sn) composites that can be reconfigured by lithiating Sn with low power electric input (≈ 50 nanowatts). These microstructures have a continuous, regulated, and non-volatile actuation determined by the extent of the electrochemical lithiation process. In addition, our proposed fabrication process relies only on batch lithographic techniques, enabling the parallel production of thousands of 3D microstructures. We demonstrate structures with a 30%-97% change in open-end area upon actuation and highlight the importance of geometric factors in the response and structural integrity of 3D architected microstructures during electrochemical actuation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.