Bio-Inspired Dynamically Morphing Microelectronics toward High-Density Energy Applications and Intelligent Biomedical Implants.

Merces, Leandro; Ferro, Letícia Mariê Minatogau; Thomas, Aleena; Karnaushenko, Dmitriy D; Luo, Yumin; Egunov, Aleksandr I; Zhang, Wenlan; Bandari, Vineeth K et al. · Adv Mater · 2024

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Choreographing the adaptive shapes of patterned surfaces to exhibit designable mechanical interactions with their environment remains an intricate challenge. Here, a novel category of strain-engineered dynamic-shape materials, empowering diverse multi-dimensional shape modulations that are combined to form fine-grained adaptive microarchitectures is introduced. Using micro-origami tessellation technology, heterogeneous materials are provided with strategic creases featuring stimuli-responsive micro-hinges that morph precisely upon chemical and electrical cues. Freestanding multifaceted foldable packages, auxetic mesosurfaces, and morphable cages are three of the forms demonstrated herein of these complex 4-dimensional (4D) metamaterials. These systems are integrated in dual proof-of-concept bioelectronic demonstrations: a soft foldable supercapacitor enhancing its power density (≈108 mW cm<sup>-2</sup>), and a bio-adaptive device with a dynamic shape that may enable novel smart-implant technologies. This work demonstrates that intelligent material systems are now ready to support ultra-flexible 4D microelectronics, which can impart autonomy to devices culminating in the tangible realization of microelectronic morphogenesis.