Spatially Programmed Multidimensional and Internal Patterning of Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):Polystyrenesulfonate via Liquid Metal-Mediated Interfacial Chemistry

Abstract

In this study, the in situ multidimensional and internal patterning of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) is achieved via a liquid metal (LM)-induced gelation method, where LM serves as a dynamic template for patterning. The LM-mediated interfacial reactions enable PEDOT:PSS patterns with controllable thickness on universal 0D, 2D, and 3D nonplanar substrates or even in narrow and closed containers. By combining the optical interactions between the upper PEDOT:PSS film and the underlying LM template layer, enhanced photothermal conversion performance and variable structural coloration can be achieved by adjusting the film thickness. Moreover, benefiting from the thermal energy conversion capabilities of both PEDOT:PSS and LM, diverse multilayered actuators with programmable morphing changes, inchworm-like translocation, and fast locomotion (∼24 cm/s) are obtained under multistimuli such as moisture, photothermal heating, magnetic heating, and shifting magnetic field. The color-changing capability further endows the actuators with a visual cue, leading to a synergistic effect of morphing and color changes.