Efficient photo-actuator fabrication: Integrating microcrystal arrays with polymers

An ordered and compliant photo-actuator was recently reported by Ryan C. Hayward and colleagues in Nature Materials. In a combination of the merits of single crystals and polymers, this composite, prepared by epitaxial growth of microcrystal arrays in polymer membranes, exhibited rapid response times, high resistance, and ultrahigh work densities. Their findings presented a novel approach to optimize the fabrication and application of composite photo-actuators. An ordered and compliant photo-actuator was recently reported by Ryan C. Hayward and colleagues in Nature Materials. In a combination of the merits of single crystals and polymers, this composite, prepared by epitaxial growth of microcrystal arrays in polymer membranes, exhibited rapid response times, high resistance, and ultrahigh work densities. Their findings presented a novel approach to optimize the fabrication and application of composite photo-actuators.