A joint research team from Northwestern Polytechnical University (NWPU) and City University of Hong Kong has developed a groundbreaking material named Electroactive Interface-Enhanced Dielectric Elastomer (EIEDE). This material integrates large-strain actuation, strong electro-adsorption, and controllable electrowetting effects, redefining traditional materials as active components. The research was published in Science Advances.

Electroactive polymers, especially dielectric elastomers, are crucial for applications in artificial muscles and bionic robots. However, previous research focused mainly on their intrinsic properties, overlooking their interfacial interactions. The joint team addressed this by introducing polar small-molecule additives, enhancing the material's interfacial capabilities.

EIEDE exhibits remarkable electro-adsorption, achieving an adsorption strength of 31.75 kPa on metal mesh electrodes—488 times that of traditional materials. This allows it to adhere to flat surfaces and grasp irregular conductive materials, overcoming limitations of conventional devices.

In droplet manipulation, EIEDE can switch between hydrophobic and hydrophilic states via electric field control. This enables stable adsorption, transport, and release of droplets. The team achieved precise droplet cutting, dividing a single large droplet into smaller ones.

Leveraging these capabilities, the team designed a multi-probe detection device for handling multiple droplets, offering new insights for microfluidic sensing platforms. The material transforms from a passive component to an active interactive unit, integrating functions of muscles, grippers, and fingertips.

The research, led by doctoral candidate Yan Han, included contributions from Professors Zhang Junshi, Liu Lei, Zhu Jihong, and Academicians Zhang Weihong and Lyu Jian. EIEDE not only addresses the single-functionality issue of traditional dielectric elastomers but also expands their application potential, promising revolutionary advancements in related industries.