Protonation and deprotonation of edges in graphene oxide and MXenes as a driving force for actuation in responsive 2D membranes

Qian Wang, Xiangyu Guo, Mo Lin, Kou Yang, Musen Chen, Siyu Chen, Maxim Trubyanov, Kostya S. Novoselov and Daria V. Andreeva ()
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Qian Wang: National University of Singapore
Xiangyu Guo: National University of Singapore
Mo Lin: National University of Singapore
Kou Yang: National University of Singapore
Musen Chen: National University of Singapore
Siyu Chen: National University of Singapore
Maxim Trubyanov: National University of Singapore
Kostya S. Novoselov: National University of Singapore
Daria V. Andreeva: National University of Singapore

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract Controlling bending in two-dimensional (2D) materials is essential for the development pf responsive systems and miniaturized actuators. Traditional approaches, particularly for graphene oxide (GO), rely on mismatched thermal expansion between GO and its reduced form. Here, we report a scalable method for assembling anisotropic membranes with chemically distinct top and bottom surfaces, achieved through pH-programmed control of flake protonation. Actuation is driven by edge-to-edge interactions among GO and MXene (Ti3C2Tx) flakes, where differential protonation induces localized strain and in-plane flake sliding during thermal dehydration. This gradient in charged and neutral functional groups enables directional bending upon mild heating. Extending this approach to MXenes yields robust, low-dimensional actuators with tunable chemical and mechanical properties. Demonstrated applications include soft robotics and climate-adaptive architecture. Systematic analysis of thermal response, water retention, and fabrication scalability underscores the broad potential of this platform for 2D material-based devices.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63800-9

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