Dan Yang

Solar‐driven interfacial evaporation offers a sustainable route to alleviating global agricultural water scarcity, yet intrinsic energetic barriers at the gas–liquid interface limit its practical efficiency. Here, we report an electrospun nonwoven nanofibrous hydrogel fabric that combines textile‐like flexibility in the dry state with hydrogel functionality upon hydration. By synergizing the nanoscale interfacial compartmentalization of the fabric architecture with the molecular‐level regulation of functional groups, this material effectively disrupts long‐range cooperative hydrogen‐bonding networks, transforming bulk‐like water into less‐associated, more volatile water states. Crucially, we reveal a counterintuitive seawater‐induced activation mechanism, in which sodium ions trigger an ion‐exchange process that expands the polymer network and exposes hidden active sites. This dynamic activation delivers an exceptional salt‐enhanced evaporation rate of 2.92 kg m ⁻² h ⁻¹ for a 2D planar evaporator in natural seawater under 1 sun illumination. Validated through large‐area fabrication and winter field trials for greenhouse crop irrigation, this scalable architecture provides a robust, decentralized strategy for global agricultural water security.

Dielectric elastomers (DEs) have emerged as promising candidates for actuators, capacitor and generators, but suffer from low dielectric constant and inferior energy density. In addition, the mechanism remians confused, which can be solved by molecular dynamics simulations. However, the traditional coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CGMD) simulations cannot study the electromechanical coupling effect of DEs due to the lack of Coulomb forces, limiting the structural design of DEs toward high performance. In this work, we study the dielectric response of DEs using CGMD simulations with charged model for the first time. An interesting phenomenon is observed: Head-to-head isomer configuration reduces the chain dipole moment, but improves actuated planar area strain (S_p) by 45% and electromechanical energy density by 378%. The mechanism is the improvement of polarization due to enhanced dipole alignment in network strands under an applied electric field. Additionally, the sequence isomerism significantly accelerates the response rate and reveals a previously unreported scaling law—S_p=a*l g⁡(time)+b. Moreover, sequence isomerism leads to substantial improvements in charge density, discharge density, discharge efficiency, and maximum polarization under high-frequency electric fields, with increases of 66%, 162%, 58%, and 72%, respectively. Those performances of isomer are insensitive to electric field frequency and stress due to the quick dielectric response, demonstrating a promising potential in elastic energy storage. which is emerging as a promising candidate for next-generation high-performance capacitor. Furthermore, sequence isomerization enhances electrostatic potential energy by 85% and confers excellent cycling stability, thereby extending the applicability in energy harvesting systems. This work provides a novel strategy for the design of multifunctional DEs and a new method for studying the dielectric response of DEs. In the future, the CGMD simulations with charged model can be developed and applied to design novel DEs, such as dielectric liquid crystal elastomers and intrinsically elastic ferroelectric materials.

Soft actuators with controllable responsiveness have wide application prospects in human‐machine interfaces and intelligent robotics. However, the increasing integration and multi‐functionality inevitably accumulate heat and radiate electromagnetic waves in electron components, detrimental to device service life and human health. Herein, cellulose nanofibers (CNFs)‐based composites with excellent thermal conductivity (TC) and superior electromagnetic interference shielding efficiency (EMI SE) are prepared by layered dispersion of polyamide epichlorohydrin modified graphene nanosheets (pGNPs) within silver nanoparticles deposited CNFs through electrostatic self‐assembly via vacuum filtration. The subsequent hot‐pressing forms densely interconnected pGNPs within the CNFs‐based composites with “mimosa”‐like ordered layered architectures, showing a TC of 150.6 W/(m K) and an EMI SE of 75 dB. By integrating the CNFs‐based composites with outstanding Joule heating performance into liquid crystal elastomers, smart curtains and intelligent grabbers are yield with a bending angle of 82° under a voltage of 3 V. Furthermore, the CNFs‐based composite with an excellent conductivity (9.8 × 10 ³ S m ⁻¹ ) is used as an electrode to construct triboelectric nanogenerators for transmitting information through Morse code. Overall, the as‐prepared CNFs‐based composites can be used to prolong the life of actuators and sensors, paving the way for multi‐functional wearable terminals and biomimetic actuators.

Wearable sensors with body motion sensing networks mark a transformative era in diagnosing and rehabilitating muscular and neurological diseases. However, the integration and multi‐functionality of such wearable sensors inevitably lead to heat accumulation, electromagnetic radiation, and structural failure within electronic components, not only interfering with the normal use of devices but also endangering human health. Herein, a self‐healing waterborne polyurethane (WPU) composite with a high thermal conductivity (TC) and an exceptional electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance is prepared via a layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly process of modified graphene nanoplatelets (denoted as XP/G) using polydopamine/polyethyleneimine co‐crosslinking and carboxylic acrylonitrile butadiene rubber latex via vacuum filtration. The subsequent hot‐pressing yields densely interconnected XP/G in the WPU matrix and forms WPU‐based composites featuring nacre‐mimetic microstructures and layered architectures. The resulting WPU‐based composites exhibit a superior TC of 113.6 W (m·K) ⁻¹ , an excellent EMI shielding effectiveness of 67 dB, and a high self‐healing efficiency of over 90%. Furthermore, based on the triboelectric effect, the WPU‐based composites are constructed as smart insoles for real‐time gait recognition and falling detection. Overall, the proposed innovative approach has the potential for prolonging the service life of wearable electronic devices for long‐term use, promising for future flexible devices in human‐computer interaction and smart healthcare.

Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs), regarded as artificial muscles, are used as actuators or sensors in artificial visual systems, haptic equipment, and human‐robot interaction. However, their inherent vulnerability related to mechanical damage and electrical breakdown seriously limits their safe and long‐term service. Herein, a healable dielectric elastomer (PHT‐ZnS:Cu) is acquired for premature breakdown warning by synthesising a healable poly(dimethylsiloxane) based on reversible imine bonding and hydrogen bonding and subsequent incorporation of electroluminescent ZnS:Cu particles. Moreover, LiTFSI ionic liquids are introduced into the healable poly(dimethylsiloxane) to prepare a transparent healable compliant electrode (PHT‐IL) that does not obscure the light emission of PHT‐ZnS:Cu dielectric elastomer. Then, an integral healable DEA (ISDEA) with an excellent interfacial interaction is constructed by coating two sides of PHT‐ZnS:Cu with PHT‐IL. The optimized ISDEA displays an actuated strain of 17.0% at 15 kV mm⁻¹ with a healing efficiency of 91.9%. The integrated ISDEAs are used as soft anti‐counterfeiting labels and soft intelligent keyboards for information transmission, encryption, and human‐machine interaction, showing prospective applications in the realm of data leakage prevention and personal privacy protection.

Hydrogels have attracted increasing attention in wearable sensors, but preparing underwater hydrogel sensors with excellent anti-swelling and self-healing properties is still challenging. Herein, an anti-swelling and self-healing hydrogel is prepared by grafting poly(acrylic acid) with hydrophobic lauryl methacrylate, as well as constructing a second network and multiple molecular interactions (abbreviated as PALCF). The introduced hydrophobic long alkyl chains and the increased cross-linking density of the hydrogel result in a swelling ratio of only 0.04% after immersion in water for 15 days. Due to abundant metal coordination and hydrogen bonds, the PALCF hydrogel exhibits a high tensile stress of 0.60 MPa and a self-healing efficiency reaching 96.0% after self-healing at 60 °C for 2 min. Based on the piezoresistive effect, the PALCF hydrogel is directly used as an underwater strain sensor with a high sensitivity (GF = 2.24) to control underwater vehicles for rescue implementation. Furthermore, two self-powered triboelectric nanogenerator sensors with contact and non-contact models are constructed based on PALCF hydrogels for underwater communication, capable of sending out SOS messages and drowning alarms in emergency. The proposed underwater sensors with drowning warning and rescuing functions have the potential for use in drowning prevention, human-machine interfaces, and underwater communication system.

Wearable sensing technologies have witnessed rapid development in recent years due to their accessibility, functionality, and affordability. However, heat accumulation and electromagnetic interference in electronic components adversely affect the sensing performance and seriously damage human health. Herein, cellulose nanofibers (CNFs)‐based composites with high thermal conductivity (TC) and excellent electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance are prepared using CNFs as templates followed by coating with tannic acid non‐covalent and 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane covalent co‐modified graphene nanoplatelets (denoted as mGNPs) through a simple electrostatic self‐assembly method. The subsequent hot‐pressing process yield order and layer mGNPs in CNFs‐based composites with mGNPs distributed along the orientation and in close contact with CNFs, a fashion similar to the human nervous system. The resulting CNFs‐based composites reveal a high TC of 136.2 W/(m·K) and a superior EMI shielding effectiveness of 105 dB. Thus, they are used as wearable sensors based on the triboelectric effect to monitor human health in real‐time, as well as express emotion through Morse code. In sum, the proposed strategy provides an avenue to prolong the service life of flexible wearable sensors and ensure their safe use, promising for future wisdom in healthcare and smart robotics.

Although dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are promising artificial muscles for use as visual prostheses in patients with oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP), high driving voltage coupled with vulnerable compliant electrodes limits their safe long‐term service. Herein, a self‐healable polydimethylsiloxane compliant electrode based on reversible imine bonds and hydrogen bonds is prepared and coated on an acrylic ester film to develop a self‐healable DEA (SDEA), followed by actuation with a high‐output triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) to construct a self‐powered DEA (TENG‐SDEA). Under 135.9 kV mm⁻¹, the SDEA exhibits an elevated actuated strain of 50.6%, comparable to the actuation under DC power. Moreover, the mechanically damaged TENG‐SDEA displays a self‐healing efficiency of over 90% for 10 cycles. The TENG ensures the safe using of TENG‐SDEAs and an extraocular‐muscle‐like actuator with oriented motion ability integrated by several TENG‐SDEAs is constructed. Additionally, the SDEA is directly used as a flexible capacitive sensor for real‐time monitoring of the patient's muscle movement. Accordingly, a medical aid system based on a conjunction of the extraocular‐muscle‐like actuator and a flexible capacitive sensor is manufactured to help the patients suffering from ONP with physical rehabilitation and treatment.