Strong and flexible graphene oxide paper for humidity responsive origami metamaterials

Abstract

Origami, the art of paper folding, can transform sheets into three-dimensional (3D) configurations and reshape deployed structures into folded forms, inspiring the design of deployable and multifunctional structures. Graphene oxide (GO) flakes can be assembled into papers that are promising substrates to fabricate actuators because of their light weight, high surface area for integration of functional components, and responsiveness to stimuli. In this work, we develop macroscopic deployable GO origamis with anisotropic mechanical properties, structural bistability, and humidity-responsive deformations. To produce strong yet flexible GO papers, we propose a high-throughput fabrication method by drop-casting GO suspensions on a wet cellulose substrate. The cellulose allows retaining water within the GO flakes during evaporation, enhancing the flexibility and toughness of the resulting GO paper. We fabricate GO Miura-ori and Kresling origamis that unfold in humid environments and fold upon water evaporation, thanks to the hygroscopic expansion of GO combined with the 3D origami design. This enables the creation of programmable, multifunctional structures that serve as actuators in a two-digit humidity signaling device. The deployable GO origamis, powered by origami engineering and the humidity responsiveness of graphene materials, offer new opportunities for the design of next-generation graphene metamaterials and responsive soft robots.