Transparency‐Photothermal Efficiency Coordinated Dual‐Invisible Soft Robots

M Mengyao Su (Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore) S Shenggui Liu (Pen‐Tung Sah Institute of Micro‐Nano Science and Technology Xiamen University Xiamen China) N Naiqing Li (State Key Laboratory of Environment Characteristics and Effects for Near‐space, Beijing Key Laboratory of Intelligent Molecular Materials and High‐throughput Manufacturing, MOE Key Laboratory of Cluster Science, MIIT Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Beijing Institute of Technology Beijing China) A Akang Chen (MOE Key Laboratory of Cluster Science, MIIT Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, School of Materials Science & Engineering) Y Yahe Wu J Jiatao Zhang (MOE Key Laboratory of Cluster Science, MIIT Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, School of Materials Science & Engineering)

Abstract

ABSTRACT Soft robots capable of seamless environmental integration and unobtrusive operation are essential for covert monitoring, camouflage, and preserving optical integrity. Near‐infrared (NIR) photo‐actuation offers an ideal route for invisible control; however, it is traditionally governed by a fundamental trade‐off where strong photo‐responses necessitate dark materials and high filler loadings that compromise transparency. Here, we report a system achieving spectral decoupling of visible transparency and photothermal responsiveness through interfacial engineering of two‐dimensional atomically thin CuS (AT–CuS) nanosheets to form a stable monolayer dispersion in the polymer matrix. Such material reaches a record‐breaking photothermal efficiency of 96.3% in the NIR‐II window. At an ultralow loading of 0.01 wt % At‐CuS, the composite maintains over 80% visible‐light transmittance while exhibiting rapid NIR responses (>130°C within 2 s). We further demonstrate “dual‐invisible” soft robots with imperceptible bodies and hidden NIR control, where the body and the NIR control signal remain imperceptible, performing agile amphibious locomotion.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 38, Issue 47
Published August 01, 2026
ISSN 0935-9648
Publisher Unknown Publisher

Journal Info

Advanced Materials

Unknown Publisher

ISSN: 0935-9648 Physical Sciences

Authors (6)

M

Mengyao Su

Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore

S

Shenggui Liu

Pen‐Tung Sah Institute of Micro‐Nano Science and Technology Xiamen University Xiamen China

N

Naiqing Li

State Key Laboratory of Environment Characteristics and Effects for Near‐space, Beijing Key Laboratory of Intelligent Molecular Materials and High‐throughput Manufacturing, MOE Key Laboratory of Cluster Science, MIIT Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Beijing Institute of Technology Beijing China

A

Akang Chen

MOE Key Laboratory of Cluster Science, MIIT Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, School of Materials Science & Engineering

Y

Yahe Wu

J

Jiatao Zhang

MOE Key Laboratory of Cluster Science, MIIT Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, School of Materials Science & Engineering