Abstract: The disclosure belongs to the technical field of liquid crystal materials, and specifically relates to a polymerizable compound, a preparation method therefor, and the use thereof. The polymerizable compound has a structure as shown in general formula I. Compared with the existing polymerizable RM, the polymerizable compound has the advantages of a good solubility, a faster polymerization rate, a more complete extent of polymerization, and less residues, thereby improving the problem of poor display to a great extent.

Abstract: A self-cleaning device and methods relating thereto can include a base, a plurality of channels formed in a first surface of the base, where the plurality of channels divide the first surface of the base into a plurality of sections, a plurality of cavities formed within the base, where each cavity of the plurality of cavities are disposed adjacent a corresponding section of the plurality of sections, and one or more capillary channels formed between the first surface of the base on the corresponding section and the corresponding cavity.

Abstract: Provided are structurally-reconfigurable, optical metasurfaces constructed by, for example, integrating a plasmonic lattice array in the gap between a pair of microbodies that serve to locally amplify the strain created on an elastomeric substrate by an external mechanical stimulus. The spatial arrangement and therefore the optical response of the plasmonic lattice array is reversible.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating an object includes a substrate, an electrically conductive layer disposed on the substrate, and a porous medium comprising an electrically conductive material. The apparatus also includes a dielectric layer conformally disposed on the porous medium to insulate the porous medium from the object during use. The porosity of the porous medium is about 90% or greater. The adhesive strength of the porous medium is about 1 kPa or lower, and the modulus of the porous medium is about 1 GPa or lower.

Abstract: Provided is an insert adapter for direct ink writing printers (DIW) and methods of fiber alignment in direct ink writing. The insert adapter is sized to fit snugly inside a print barrel DIW 3D printer. The adapter includes channels. The DIW printer with insert adapter, can be used in a passive method for microfiber alignment in DIW printing. The method includes feeding a non-Newtonian ink including microfibers through the print barrel such that the ink flows into the channels of the insert adapter before exiting through a print nozzle, causing the microfibers to align along the direction of ink flow.

Abstract: Provided are devices and methods that combine material anisotropy with nonlinear structural design to produce structures that precisely and sequentially actuate in response to multiple stimuli, such as water or non-polar solvents. These devices and methods can include bistable anisotropic elements that convert to monostable element upon exposure to a particular stimulus, and anisotropic distortions can be harnessed to change the geometric properties of the element to cross phase boundaries and trigger shape changes at precise times. One can incorporate complex logic into these devices and methods.

Abstract: Provided are structurally-reconfigurable, optical metasurfaces constructed by, for example, integrating a plasmonic lattice array in the gap between a pair of microbodies that serve to locally amplify the strain created on an elastomeric substrate by an external mechanical stimulus. The spatial arrangement and therefore the optical response of the plasmonic lattice array is reversible.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating an object includes a substrate, an electrically conductive layer disposed on the substrate, and a porous medium comprising an electrically conductive material. The apparatus also includes a dielectric layer conformally disposed on the porous medium to insulate the porous medium from the object during use. The porosity of the porous medium is about 90% or greater. The adhesive strength of the porous medium is about 1 kPa or lower, and the modulus of the porous medium is about 1 GPa or lower.